Early Childhood/Exceptional Children, Special Education Teacher (15 credits)

Admission Requirements

1. Submit a completed Wilmington University Graduate application
2. Submit an official transcript or transcripts verifying completion of a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
3. Submit a valid and active US teaching license
4. Submit a current résumé including number of years' teaching experience
5. International students must provide results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) that meet the current minimum score requirements.**
6. Complete a program planning conference with Graduate Advisor or Program Chair

***In addition to general admissions requirements, admission to this program/certificate requires applicants to have a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for coursework completed during the most recent two years of the applicant’s general education, whether secondary or post-secondary, OR approval from the Program Chair.

After completing all of the above requirements, register for MED 6102 (E-Folio) along with other appropriate courses.

Purpose

The purpose of this certificate in Early Childhood/Exceptional Children, Special Education Teacher is to prepare educators to teach young children, birth to grade two, who demonstrate a range of exceptionalities. The goal of the certificate is to provide coursework in instructional and family-based assessment and early intervention, skills to collaborate with parents and professionals, strategies and techniques to differentiate instruction, and an understanding of culturally and linguistically diverse students. 

Fieldwork/clinical experiences are embedded across the coursework, enabling the teachers to demonstrate mastery the CEC Specialist Standards through performance based tasks.  

Students who satisfactorily complete the coursework described below will qualify (on application to the Office of the Registrar) for a Wilmington University Graduate Certificate in that topic area.  This is not to be confused with a Delaware Department of Education endorsement or certificate to teach exceptional children in any category.  Such endorsements may only be granted by the Delaware Department of Education after all state-mandated requirements are met (e.g., candidates must have passing scores on all tests required by the DE Professional Standards Board; must hold a current Initial, Continuing or Advanced License and DE certification to teach in a specific subject area or grade level).

Please note that Delaware requirements for public school educators are subject to change by the Delaware Department of Education.  Wilmington University makes no guarantees that students who complete the coursework outlined below will qualify for state licenses, certificates or endorsements.  Candidate seeking such credentials must submit an application through DEEDS (Delaware Educator Data System).

The most recent information about Delaware licensure and certification requirements can be accessed at the Delaware Department of Education/Professional Standards Board website.  Wilmington University has not made determinations for licensure in states outside of Delaware. For state-by-state contact information for inquiring about individual state licensure requirements, please visit NC-SARA's Professional Licensure Directory.

Candidates must have a valid and active teaching license and a Special Education certificate in order to enroll in this program.

*This certificate is available both through the traditional program and the ARTC program. ARTC can be added if a certificate of eligibility is required for employment.

Course Requirements

Early Childhood/Exceptional Children Course Requirements (15 credits)