Early Childhood General and Special Education: Birth through Kindergarten (B-K) major within the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) integrates 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.
100%
of special education and literacy studies graduates working full time have a job related to their degree
100%
of special education and literacy studies graduates working full time are satisfied with their jobs
97%
of College of Education and Human Development undergraduates participated in experience-driven education
Pursue a B.S. in Early Childhood General and Special Education: B-K
Do you want to be the teacher that makes a difference? Do you want to share the joy of learning with young children? Then the B.S. in Early Childhood General and Special Education: Birth through Kindergarten is right for you.
Through the Department of Special Education and Literacy Studies, you will be guided into a meaningful and fulfilling career working with children from birth to kindergarten. Our program provides a deep, comprehensive dive into the intricate processes of how young children learn and develop, exploring foundational theories in early childhood education, child psychology, and effective instructional strategies for diverse learners. We go beyond mere theory by strategically combining relevant coursework with essential, practical, hands-on clinical experiences. You'll have the invaluable opportunity to apply your knowledge in a variety of diverse educational settings, gaining real-world competence that sets our graduates apart. This experiential learning model ensures you are not just knowledgeable, but truly capable and confident in the classroom.
What you’ll learn
In the Early Childhood General and Special Education: B-K program, your studies will incorporate situations, case studies and collaborative projects that allow you to develop classroom management skills and refine assessment techniques. These experiences combined will build confidence in your abilities and prepare you for a life-long career.
You get to do classroom observations and have opportunities to start working with children right away as a first-year!
Where you’ll be after graduation
Earning this Bachelor of Science degree, along with a Michigan state endorsement (ZN), opens doors to various rewarding career paths. Graduates have become lead teachers for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, or kindergarteners in childcare centers, preschools, or elementary schools. This degree also qualifies you to work as early childhood special education teachers, early interventionists, or even childcare center directors.
For 95% of College of Education and Human Development grads, they got that job or got into that graduate school program after graduation. That is because your journey of self-discovery begins the moment you step on campus. At WMU's Career and Student Employment Services, career specialists help you align your passions and abilities with future careers and advanced degrees. They will connect you to practical experiences like internships, job shadowing, research projects and professional mentors.
What other have achieved
Learn about the successful journeys of recent program graduates and the advice they have to share for prospective WMU students.
Meet Grace
Working at the YMCA, Grace is part of something bigger than a gym, she is part of the team changing children's lives. As Day Camp Director, she ensures children find that sense of belonging, confidence and courage to try new things.
Meet Denzel
A graduate of CEHD's TRIO Future Educator Support Program, Denzel is using the transformative power of music in his lesson plans. From singing to playing an instrument, students in his class learn something new about themselves everyday.
Making the most of your learning experience
In the College of Education and Human Development, you'll embark on an incredible journey of experiential learning that goes beyond textbooks. Collaborating closely with faculty members, you'll dive into cutting-edge research, fieldwork and professional pursuits. Pushing the boundaries of the traditional classroom, you'll gain practical skills and make a tangible impact.
The program is designed to immerse you in experience-driven learning opportunities that bridge theory and practice. From early field experiences in diverse classroom settings to student teaching residencies, you will gain experience with students of different ages and backgrounds.
Are scholarships available?
Yes! You've put in the hard work—now it's time to see your reward.
Scholarships are an excellent way to help the reduce the costs of higher education. Whether you are entering college for the first time, transferring to WMU from another institution or returning from a gap in your education, be sure to check out our scholarship options. Students earn scholarships for financial need, academic success and promoting multicultural awareness. Most are offered on a competitive basis.
