The B.S. in Early Childhood Special Education prepares students to address the needs of diverse children from birth through age eight in inclusive school environments. This unique blended program allows students to be eligible for both a Type 04 teaching certificate and an endorsement in special education for birth to age 5.   

Students advance in the program through a series of course blocks, which allow students to learn about development sequentially, as they connect coursework and simultaneous field experiences.  After completing their University core requirements, students begin work on the Education core and Early Childhood major requirements. Initial courses focus on understanding development in early childhood from a perspective emphasizing individual differences. Students are then introduced to the fields of early childhood and special education, as well as exceptional learning needs.

An inclusive philosophy is infused throughout each block of coursework, joining together the least restrictive environment provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) with the Loyola University Chicago School of Education conceptual framework (which emphasizes the application of knowledge and skills to improve cultural competence, enhance educational outcomes for diverse students/families, and pursue social justice as an outcome of professional practice and decision-making).  This integrated and intensive approach to course and field work allows students to continually engage in exploration and reflective practice in increasingly sophisticated ways as they approach graduation.

• Admission
• Clinical Experience
• Core Curriculum
• Course Sequence
• Degree Requirements
• Education Core Curriculum
• Financial Assistance
• Policies and Procedures for receiving Illinois Certification   
• School of Education Faculty and Staff  
• State of Illinois Testing Requirements  
• Student Resources
• Teacher Education Benchmarks 
• Tuition