Program Overview

Inclusive Early Childhood Education, BSEd

Overview

This bachelor’s degree provides students with the opportunity to develop a strong cross-disciplinary foundation as well as specialized knowledge to work with culturally, linguistically, ability, and socioeconomically diverse young children, families, and other professionals. The courses in the major ensure that students engage in a well-rounded, cohesive program of studies that prepares them to be high-quality early childhood educators. Students may select one of the optional teacher licensure concentrations (i.e., Early Childhood Special Education, Early/Primary Education PreK-3, Early Childhood Special Education and Early/Primary Education PreK-3) or a non-licensure sequence to fulfill the requirements for the BSEd in Early Childhood Education for Diverse Learners.

Admissions

Students entering as freshmen with an interest in majoring in Inclusive Early Childhood Education will initially be accepted into the Inclusive Early Childhood Education, BSEd, without concentration.

Four-Year Students

To declare a concentration in Early Childhood Special Education (Licensure), four-year students must:

• complete a minimum of 45 credits
• attain a cumulative GPA of 2.50.

To declare a concentration in Early/Primary Education PreK-3 (Licensure) or Early Childhood Special Education and Early/Primary Education PreK-3 (Dual Licensure), four-year students must:

• complete a minimum of 45 credits
• attain a cumulative GPA of 2.50

Degree-Seeking Transfer Students

To declare a concentration in Early Childhood Special Education (Licensure), transfer students must:

• complete a minimum of 45 credits
• earn a cumulative GPA of 2.50 at previous institution or complete 12 credits at Mason with a 2.50 GPA

To declare a concentration in Early/Primary Education PreK-3 (Licensure) or Early Childhood Special Education and Early/Primary Education PreK-3 (Dual Licensure), transfer students must:

• complete a minimum of 45 credits
• earn a cumulative GPA of 2.50 at previous institution or complete 12 credits at Mason with a 2.50 GPA

Policies

Students in a licensure concentration must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 upon applying to their internship.

Inclusive Early Childhood Education students without concentration must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 to graduate.

Prior to applying for internships, students in all licensure concentrations, must successfully complete:

• Emergency First Aid, CPR and AED certification or training

Students enrolled in the Early/Primary Education PreK-3 Licensure or Dual Licensure (Early Childhood Special Education and Early/Primary Education PreK-3) concentration must also complete the following:

• Praxis Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects (prior to applying for internship)
• Praxis Teaching Reading Elementary (5205)
• Completion of Content Area Coursework (prior to applying for internship)

Licensure testing requirements are determined by the Commonwealth of Virginia and may change at any time. If changes to these requirements occur, students must meet the current testing and licensure requirements as set forth in the legal Code of Virginia.

Degree Requirements

Total credits: 120

Mason Core

• Foundation Requirements:
  • Written Communication
  • Oral Communication
  • Quantitative Reasoning
  • MATH 106: Quantitative Reasoning (Mason Core) (recommended course)
  • Information Technology and Computing
• Exploration Requirements:
  • Arts
  • Global Contexts
  • GGS 101: Major World Regions (Mason Core) (recommended course)
  • Literature
  • Natural Science
  • Two lab sciences in different disciplines (recommended)
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences
  • Global History
• Integration Requirement:
  • Written Communication
  • ENGH 302: Advanced Composition (Mason Core)
  • Writing Intensive
  • ECED 411: Assessment of Diverse Young Learners (Mason Core)
  • Mason Apex (fulfilled by major requirements)
• Total Credits: 38

Program Core Requirements

• ECED 201: Introduction to Early Childhood Education for Diverse Learners
• ECED 401: Developmental Pathways of Diverse Learners, Birth-Adolescence
• ECED 402: Foundations of Language and Literacy for Diverse Young Learners, Birth-Age 5
• ECED 403: Inclusive Curriculum for Young Learners: Planning Instruction and Guidance
• ECED 404: Engaging Families of Diverse Learners, Birth – Grade 6
• ECED 411: Assessment of Diverse Young Learners (Mason Core)
• ECED 491: Behavior Management Seminar in Inclusive Early Childhood Education
• Internship
• Select 12 credits from the following:
  • ECED 490: Internship in Early Childhood Education (Mason Core)
  • ECED 492: Internship in Early Childhood Education (Non-Licensure) (Mason Core)
  • ECED 493: Internship in Early Childhood Special Education (Mason Core)
• Total Credits: 33

BSEd without Concentration

• Select 12 credits from the following:
  • ECED 405: Introduction to Early Childhood Special Education
  • ECED 406: Medical and Developmental Aspects of Disabilities of Diverse Young Learners
  • ECED 412: Language and Literacy Assessment and Instruction for Diverse Primary Grade Learners
  • ECED 413: Integrating Social Studies Across the Content Areas for Diverse Young Learners
  • ECED 415: Mathematics for Diverse Young Learners
  • ECED 416: Science for Diverse Young Learners
  • ECED 422: Developing Language, Literacy, and Communication of Diverse Infants and Toddlers
  • ECED 423: Early Intervention for Infants Toddlers with Disabilities: Collaborative Consultative Approaches
• Total Credits: 12

Electives

• Select an additional 37 credits from any courses.
• Students are encouraged to pursue a minor to partially fulfill elective requirements.
• Total Credits: 37

Concentration in Early Childhood Special Education (Licensure)

• ECED 405: Introduction to Early Childhood Special Education
• ECED 406: Medical and Developmental Aspects of Disabilities of Diverse Young Learners
• ECED 422: Developing Language, Literacy, and Communication of Diverse Infants and Toddlers
• ECED 423: Early Intervention for Infants Toddlers with Disabilities: Collaborative Consultative Approaches
• Total Credits: 12

Electives

• Select an additional 37 credits from any courses.
• Students are encouraged to pursue a minor to partially fulfill elective requirements.
• Total Credits: 37

Concentration in Early/Primary Education PreK-3 (Licensure)

• ECED 412: Language and Literacy Assessment and Instruction for Diverse Primary Grade Learners
• ECED 413: Integrating Social Studies Across the Content Areas for Diverse Young Learners
• ECED 415: Mathematics for Diverse Young Learners
• ECED 416: Science for Diverse Young Learners
• MATH 110: Introductory Probability (Mason Core)
• or MATH 271: Mathematics for the Elementary School Teachers I
• or MATH course approved by advisor
• Total Credits: 15

Electives

• Select an additional 34 credits from any courses.
• Students are encouraged to pursue a minor to partially fulfill elective requirements.
• Total Credits: 34

Concentration in Early Childhood Special Education and Early/Primary Education PreK-3 (Dual Licensure)

• ECED 405: Introduction to Early Childhood Special Education
• ECED 406: Medical and Developmental Aspects of Disabilities of Diverse Young Learners
• ECED 412: Language and Literacy Assessment and Instruction for Diverse Primary Grade Learners
• ECED 413: Integrating Social Studies Across the Content Areas for Diverse Young Learners
• ECED 415: Mathematics for Diverse Young Learners
• ECED 416: Science for Diverse Young Learners
• ECED 422: Developing Language, Literacy, and Communication of Diverse Infants and Toddlers
• ECED 423: Early Intervention for Infants Toddlers with Disabilities: Collaborative Consultative Approaches
• MATH 110: Introductory Probability (Mason Core)
• or MATH 271: Mathematics for the Elementary School Teachers I
• or MATH course approved by advisor
• Total Credits: 27

Electives

• Select an additional 22 credits from any courses.
• Students are encouraged to pursue a minor to partially fulfill elective requirements.
• Total Credits: 22

Bachelor of Science in Education in Inclusive Early Childhood Education Sample Plan of Study

The sample plan below is a recommended sequencing of courses based on pre-requisites and scheduling. This may not fit every student's needs and is a guideline, not a requirement. Students should confirm major requirements with their academic advisor and within PatriotWeb Degree Evaluation to ensure they enroll in the proper courses and are on track to graduate.

Without Concentration

• First Year
  • Fall Semester
    • UNIV 100
    • Information Technology and Computing
    • Natural Science with Lab - 1st discipline
    • Quantitative Reasoning - MATH 106 recommended
    • Written Communication - ENGH 101
  • Spring Semester
    • Global Understanding - GGS 101 recommended
    • Natural Science with Lab - 2nd discipline
    • Oral Communication
    • Western Civilization/World History
    • Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor)
• Second Year
  • Fall Semester
    • ECED 201
    • Literature - ELED 258 recommended
    • MATH 110 or 271
    • Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor)
    • Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor)
  • Spring Semester
    • Arts
    • ENGH 302
    • Social/Behavioral Science
    • Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor)
    • Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor)
• Third Year
  • Fall Semester
    • ECED 401
    • ECED 402
    • ECED 403
    • ECED 404
    • Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor)
  • Spring Semester
    • ECED 411
    • ECED 405, 406, 412, 413, 415, 416, 422, or 423
    • ECED 405, 406, 412, 413, 415, 416, 422, or 423
    • Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor)
    • Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor)
• Fourth Year
  • Fall Semester
    • ECED 405, 406, 412, 413, 415, 416, 422, or 423
    • ECED 405, 406, 412, 413, 415, 416, 422, or 423
    • Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor)
    • Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor)
    • Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor)
  • Spring Semester
    • ECED 491
    • ECED 492
• Total Credits: 120

Early Childhood Special Education Licensure

• First Year
  • Fall Semester
    • UNIV 100
    • Information Technology and Computing
    • Natural Science with Lab - 1st discipline
    • Quantitative Reasoning - MATH 106 recommended
    • Written Communication - ENGH 101
  • Spring Semester
    • Global Understanding - GGS 101 recommended
    • Natural Science with Lab - 2nd discipline
    • Oral Communication
    • Western Civilization/World History
    • Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor)
• Second Year
  • Fall Semester
    • ECED 201
    • Literature - ELED 258 recommended
    • Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor)
    • Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor)
    • Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor)
  • Spring Semester
    • Arts
    • ENGH 302
    • Social/Behavioral Science
    • Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor)
    • Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor)
• Third Year
  • Fall Semester
    • ECED 401
    • ECED 402
    • ECED 403
    • ECED 404
    • Elective chosen with advisor
  • Spring Semester
    • ECED 411
    • ECED 405
    • ECED 406
    • Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor)
    • Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor)
• Fourth Year
  • Fall Semester
    • ECED 422
    • ECED 423
    • Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor)
    • Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor)
    • Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor)
  • Spring Semester
    • ECED 490
    • ECED 491
• Total Credits: 120

Early/Primary Education PreK-3 Licensure

• First Year
  • Fall Semester
    • UNIV 100
    • Information Technology and Computing
    • Natural Science with Lab - 1st discipline
    • Quantitative Reasoning - MATH 106 recommended
    • Written Communication - ENGH 101
  • Spring Semester
    • Global Understanding - GGS 101 recommended
    • Natural Science with Lab - 2nd discipline
    • Oral Communication
    • Western Civilization/World History
    • Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor)
• Second Year
  • Fall Semester
    • ECED 201
    • Literature - ELED 258 recommended
    • MATH 110 or 271
    • Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor)
    • Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor)
  • Spring Semester
    • Arts
    • ENGH 302
    • Social/Behavioral Science
    • Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor)
    • Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor)
• Third Year
  • Fall Semester
    • ECED 401
    • ECED 402
    • ECED 403
    • ECED 404
    • Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor)
  • Spring Semester
    • ECED 411
    • ECED 412
    • ECED 413
    • Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor)
    • Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor)
• Fourth Year
  • Fall Semester
    • ECED 415
    • ECED 416
    • Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor)
    • Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor)
    • Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor)
  • Spring Semester
    • ECED 490
    • ECED 491
• Total Credits: 120

Dual Licensure

• First Year
  • Fall Semester
    • UNIV 100
    • Information Technology and Computing
    • Natural Science with Lab - 1st discipline
    • Quantitative Reasoning - MATH 106 recommended
    • Written Communication - ENGH 101
  • Spring Semester
    • Global Understanding - GGS 101 recommended
    • Natural Science with Lab - 2nd discipline
    • Oral Communication
    • Western Civilization/World History
    • Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor)
• Second Year
  • Fall Semester
    • ECED 201
    • Literature - ELED 258 recommended
    • MATH 110 or 271
    • Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor)
    • Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor)
  • Spring Semester
    • Arts
    • ENGH 302
    • Social/Behavioral Science
    • Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor)
    • Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor)
• Third Year
  • Fall Semester
    • ECED 401
    • ECED 402
    • ECED 403
    • ECED 404
    • Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor)
  • Spring Semester
    • ECED 405
    • ECED 406
    • ECED 411
    • ECED 412
    • ECED 413
• Fourth Year
  • Fall Semester
    • ECED 415
    • ECED 416
    • ECED 422
    • ECED 423
    • Elective (selected in consultation with an ICED advisor)
  • Spring Semester
    • ECED 490
    • ECED 491
• Total Credits: 117