Early Childhood & Special Education

Earn your Bachelor of Arts Degree in Early Childhood and Special Education through our unique, hands-on approach. You'll work directly with children and licensed professionals in our Early Childhood Lab School, which serves as a childcare center and teacher preparation and professional development lab across critical services. 

With the passage of Act 166, Vermont has legislated the need for licensed preschool teachers and early special educators, and we are poised to fill a significant need for quality early childhood education in Vermont and beyond.

Highlights of the Program

• Practical: Work directly with children and professionals in our Early Childhood Lab School and get the practical experience necessary to excel in the field.
• Career-Focused: You will be prepared to facilitate high-quality learning experiences for all children from infancy to grade 3. 
• Collaborative: Learn and work with professionals across a multitude of academic programs, such as School Psychology, Social Work, School Health, Music, Art, and Physical Education, giving you the necessary skills and understanding to succeed in today's complex world of education.
• Affordable and Accessible: We've created a direct pathway for transfer students from the Community College of Vermont as well as a direct entry for traditional first-year students.

The Education Department is currently working with the Agency of Education on program and licensure approval, which would then allow the University to recommend successful completers for the Early Childhood Education license (5440-40) and the Early Childhood Special Educator endorsement (5440-44).