This program is offered online.
The Master of Arts in Early Childhood General and Special Education: Birth through Kindergarten (BK) prepares educators for work in a variety of early care and classroom settings serving infants through kindergarten-age children. Following completion of the curriculum, graduates can be eligible for an initial Michigan Standard Teaching Certificate with an endorsement in early childhood general and special education: BK (ZN) or for an additional ZN endorsement to a current MI teaching certificate. The curriculum integrates graduate courses focused on child development, diverse family and community relationships, early childhood education, special education, and content area knowledge and pedagogy. It prepares educators to teach and work with young learners and their families, to meet the socio- emotional needs of the whole child, and to implement developmentally appropriate practices and intensive interventions in response to both typical and atypical development. Preparation for work with young children, their families, and the direct and ancillary services dedicated to them is most effective when informed by the multi-dimensionality of early growth and development. This graduate program features an interdisciplinary structure that anchors professional learning and experience within early childhood education, family science, and special education disciplines and best practices. The graduates will be trained to serve as effective advocates and teachers who positively influence young learners, their families, and communities.
Note: For those who already have the following endorsements: ZA [Birth to age 8], ZG [K-5 all subjects and K-8 all subjects self-contained], or ZO [PK-3], there is a graduate certificate program option. This option allows qualified individuals to add the ZN endorsement as an additional endorsement in only 15-18 credits. Please note this does not include a M.A. degree. To apply for the graduate certificate program, visit the Early Childhood General and Special Education graduate certificate webpage.
Why early childhood general and special education at Western Michigan University?
- Professional learning and experience: An interdisciplinary program structure that anchors professional learning and experience within the disciplines and best practices of early childhood education, family science and special education
- Dedicated faculty: Committed interdisciplinary team of faculty readily available to students
- Real-world experience: Multiple clinical experiences with young children, including a final semester internship in inclusive early childhood/early childhood special education classrooms
- Engage with the field: Valuable networking and professional development opportunities through student and community organizations
- This program is TEACH Early Childhood® Michigan eligible.
