The Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education (EC/ECSE) program equips you with the knowledge, skills and dispositions necessary to make a positive impact on the lives of young children, including those with diverse abilities and backgrounds. Through a rigorous curriculum, hands-on experiences and a commitment to inclusive practices, you will emerge as a compassionate and competent professional ready to meet the evolving needs of early learners and their communities.
Based upon strong departmental research agendas, as well as national and state standards, the EC/ECSE curriculum has been developed around 6 core themes:
- Child development (typically developing and atypically developing), Learning and Intervention
- Children in the context of families and communities
- Assessment (developmental and classroom-based)
- Integrated content courses focused on State Standards
- Culturally responsive and differentiated pedagogy
- Inquiry and reflection
- Demonstrate in-depth understanding of early childhood and special education principles from professional, state, and institutional standards.
- Develop engaging and inclusive instructional plans for diverse learners, applying acquired knowledge and skills.
- Assess student learning, adjust instruction accordingly, and monitor progress to optimize learning outcomes.
- Collaborate with students, families, and communities, adhering to professional standards and guidelines.
- Fluent integration of technology into teaching practices, enhancing learning experiences in alignment with modern educational expectations.
Admission into our Professional Teacher Education programs is selective. You must take the following steps to be considered:
- Apply and be admitted to the University of Maryland
- Attend a Major Exploration Workshop (UMD internal transfers only)
- Meet with an Academic Advisor
- Meet all selective admission requirements for your specific program of interest
- Complete the Professional Application and submit Supplemental Application Materials
Students typically apply for professional teacher education programs at the end of sophomore or beginning of junior year.
Selective Admissions Requirements
The requirements below are in addition to being admitted to the University. Before completing the Professional Teacher Education Program Application, you should meet with a College of Education Academic Advisor.
- Admission to the University.
- Completion of a minimum of 45 credits
- Cumulative UMD GPA of 2.75 or higher; 3.0 GPA is recommended for best consideration
- Completion of lower-level Fundamental English requirement with a “C-” (2.0) or better
- Completion of lower-level Fundamental Math requirement with a “C-” (2.0) or better
- Minimum passing scores on Basic Skills Tests (see advisor for details)
- Satisfactory completion of EDHD 220 with a “B-” (3.0) or better
- Satisfactory completion of the following courses with a 2.7 GPA:
- MATH 212 – Elements of Mathematics
- MATH 213 – Elements of Geometry
- 4-Credit CORE Physical Science with Lab course (PL)
- 4-Credit CORE Biological Science with Lab course (LL)
- Prior experience in the education field with youth in the age range you intend to teach
- A written goal statement
- Two letters of recommendation (one must be from a faculty member or instructor in your content area)
- Satisfactory rating on the College of Education Foundational Competencies/Model Code of Ethics for Educators
This program is divided into two phases: Pre-Professional and Professional. During the first two years, freshman and sophomore students complete a series of courses to build a foundation. Upon completion of these courses, students apply for formal admission to the EC/ECSE Professional program. During the Professional program, students continue to take courses while moving into the internship phases, culminating in a year-long internship in both an inclusive Early Childhood classroom and an Early Childhood Special Education setting.
There are a variety of opportunities available to you upon graduation, such as:
- Classroom Teacher
- Early Intervention Specialist
- Special Education Teacher (Pre-K-3rd)
- Child Development Specialist
- Early Childhood Program Coordinator