Inclusive Early Childhood Education (B.A.)
West Liberty University offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Inclusive Early Childhood Education. The Inclusive Early Childhood Education major prepares students to teach in inclusive preschool and kindergarten classrooms, with certification areas in preschool and kindergarten general education and preschool and kindergarten special needs. The program also prepares students to work as developmental specialists and service coordinators in early intervention. Students who complete the program may also be successful in obtaining employment in the following areas and roles: childcare teacher or director, child life specialist, child development consultant, early childhood education consultant, and curriculum coordinator.
The Inclusive Early Childhood Education Major is nationally accredited. Students complete a minimum of 124 credit hours of coursework including general studies, early childhood education, special education, education, community education, and reading. In order to prepare students to work in a range of inclusive early childhood settings, coursework and field placements include a strong emphasis on special education, early childhood special education, child development, and reading.
Admission Process
See the Teacher Education Student Policy Manual for each admission point requirement. Each admission point is a formal admittance using an electronic application located on the Teacher Education website.
1. Admission Point 1: Admission to the Teacher Education Program
2. Admission Point 2: Admission to Residency Semester i
3. Admission Point 3: Admission to Residency Semester II (Professional Semester)
4. Admission Point 4: Graduation and Certification
Teaching Certification
To qualify for West Virginia teaching certification, each graduate must also pass all of the required Praxis II tests for the subject area that he or she intends to teach. A list of the required Praxis II tests, along with the required passing scores, is available at the ETS website (http://www.ets.org/praxis) or the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) web site.
Graduates may obtain certification packets at the dean’s office or by requesting a packet from WVDE. Fingerprinting must be completed at a WVDE approved location.
Required Courses and Professional Components
Content Specialization Courses
| EDUC 205 | Integrated Arts for Elementary Teacher | 3 |
| EED 280 | Early Childhood Development | 3 |
| EED 301 | Designing Effec Lrng Environme | 3 |
| EED 330 | Assessment in Early Education | 3 |
| EED 380 | Developm Approp Pract & Curr | 3 |
| HE 466 | Health & Safety Methods & Materials for Elementary Teachers | 2 |
| PE 343 | Physical Education for Multi-Sub Teachers | 2 |
| READ 312 | Phonics & Word Structure Know | 3 |
| READ 412 | Structured Language | 3 |
| SPED 341 | Policies & Procedures in Special Education | 3 |
| SPED 348 | C&M Assess for Behavior Needs | 3 |
| SPED 352 | C&C Assess Functional Needs | 3 |
| SPED 360 | Home-Based Interventions | 3 |
| SWK 403 | Family and Child Welfare | 3 |
| CEP 452 | Reggio Emilia & Other Approaches | 3 |
Professional Component Education
Residency Semester I
Residency Semester II