Linking students directly with families as partners in learning encourages students to integrate a family-centered philosophy into their work. Students may obtain Illinois State Board of Education, Type 04 certification in early childhood education with early childhood special education approval, which enables them to teach prekindergarten, early childhood special education, and K through grade 3 in the public schools, by taking additional courses required by the state that are not included in the master's program and completing the student teaching component. In fieldwork placements, students work with typically developing infants and young children, as well as children with special needs, in a variety of settings. Internships may include student teaching to meet certification requirements. All students participate in a seminar that encourages self-reflection, professionalism, and an examination of the ethical and legal aspects of early childhood education.
Seminars are collegial, supportive meetings of peers and faculty.
Research All master's students complete course work examining significant research projects and different approaches to research in early intervention and early childhood special education. A course in statistics is required. The focus of this course is on the historical and philosophical developments in the care and education of typical and atypical children from birth through age eight. Students study the legal basis of services for young children and current social issues and legislation. This course focuses on the developmental sequence of language acquisition.