Early Childhood Special Education Approval

This approval qualifies licensed Early Childhood Education teachers (Type 04 certificate) to teach children with disabilities from birth to age 5, and qualifies teachers with an LBS I endorsement (Special Education) to teach children with special needs, ages 3 through 5.

Earning the Approval Only (for licensed teachers)

Educators with a Type 04 certificate or an LBS 1 endorsement do not need be be enrolled in a degree program to pursue the approval.

Licensed teachers can complete the courses for the Early Childhood Special Education approval as non-degree students through UIC Extended Campus.

Earning the Approval with a Degree Program

For students without Type 04 certification or LBS1 endorsement, this approval can be pursued as part of the following programs:

Course Requirements

The approval consists of 4 required courses:

  • SPED 506 Characteristics and Assessment of Young Children with Disabilities
  • SPED 508  Methods of Instruction and Assessment with Young Children with Disabilities
  • SPED/EPSY 482  Forging Collaborations with Families and Community
  • SPED/ESPY 466  Language Development, Diversity, and Disabilities

Approval Contact