Program Overview

Introduction to the Early and Elementary Education BSEd with Special Education Concentration

The Bachelor of Science in Education in Early and Elementary Education with an optional Concentration in Special Education is designed to prepare teachers to work in programs serving diverse learners in a variety of settings in grades pre-kindergarten through four. This program, offered by the Department of Teaching and Learning, focuses on implementing evidence-based instructional practices in classrooms with students of diverse abilities.

Overview of the Program

In addition to certification in early and elementary education, students in this concentration will learn to address the needs of special education students and English language learners through a variety of field experiences, including a practicum for diverse learners. The program is approved as a teacher preparation program by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Accreditation and Licensure

The program is accredited by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Upon successful completion of the program requirements, candidates may apply for a Pennsylvania Instructional I Teaching Certificate. Note that Pennsylvania requires assessment of candidates in General Knowledge, Professional Knowledge, and/or Subject Area Knowledge prior to issuance of a certificate.

Accelerated +1 Programs

The College of Education and Human Development offers accelerated programs, including the opportunity for Early and Elementary Education majors to pursue the Early and Elementary Education BSEd and Special Education MEd accelerated program. However, students majoring in Early and Elementary Education with the optional concentration in Special Education are not eligible for this accelerated program.

Summary of Requirements

University Requirements

• All new students are required to complete the university's General Education (GenEd) curriculum.
• All students must take a minimum of two writing-intensive (WI) courses at Temple University, specifically ECED 3197 and ECED 3297 for this major.

College Requirements

• Students must be accepted into the certification program prior to taking methods courses.
• Additional University and College requirements are located on the College of Education and Human Development's Academic Policies and Regulations page.

Program Requirements

The program requires a total of 92 credit hours, including:

• MATH 1015: Introduction to Numbers & Figures
• EDUC 1016: Mathematics for Educators
• ECED 2101: Child Development, Birth to Nine
• ECED 2104: Integrating the Arts into Early Childhood Education
• ECED 2105: Cognition and Learning in the Classroom
• ECED 2187: Sophomore Practicum
• ECED 3107: Learning Mathematics for the Primary Grades: First through Fourth Grade
• ECED 3109: Science for the Early Years
• ECED 3187: Junior Practicum I
• ECED 3197: Language and Literacy Development and Instruction I
• ECED 3204: Language and Literacy Development and Instruction II
• ECED 3207: Mathematics and Science Pedagogical Content Knowledge
• ECED 3297: Social Studies for the Early Years
• ECED 4106: The Learning Community: Family and Community Relationships
• ECED 4187: Senior Practicum in Early Childhood Education
• ECED 4588: Student Teaching in Early Childhood Education
• ECED 4802: Senior Seminar I in Early Childhood Education
• ECED 4803: Senior Seminar II in Early Childhood Education
• EDUC 2103: Socio-cultural Foundations of Education in the United States
• SPED 2128: Assistive Technology and Universal Design for Learning
• SPED 2231: Introduction to Special Education
• SPED 3201: Effective Instructional Strategies for Students with Moderate to Significant Disabilities
• SPED 3211: Effective Instructional Strategies for Students with Disabilities
• SPED 3287: Practicum for Diverse Learners
• SPED 4103: Classroom Management and Positive Behavior Support
• TESL 3631: Principles and Practice for Teaching English Learners

Suggested Academic Plan

The suggested academic plan for the Bachelor of Science in Education in Early and Elementary Education with an optional Concentration in Special Education is outlined over four years, including specific courses for each semester to ensure students meet all program requirements.

Year 1

• Fall: MATH 1015, ENG 0802, GenEd Breadth Courses
• Spring: EDUC 1016, EDUC 2103, IH 0851, GenEd Breadth Courses

Year 2

• Fall: ECED 2101, SPED 2128, SPED 2231, IH 0852, GenEd Breadth Course
• Spring: ECED 2104, ECED 2105, ECED 2187, ECED 4106, SPED 4103

Year 3

• Fall: ECED 3107, ECED 3109, ECED 3187, ECED 3197, TESL 3631
• Spring: ECED 3207, ECED 3297, SPED 3201, ECED 3204, SPED 3287, Elective

Year 4

• Fall: ECED 4187, ECED 4802, SPED 3211
• Spring: ECED 4588, ECED 4803, SPED 4201

This program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in early and elementary education, with a special focus on special education, preparing them for a career in teaching and education.