"Positively Impacting Learning Through  Evidence-Based Practices"

The Department of Early Childhood and Special Education is a diverse department with two programs that lead to a Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.) degree with initial certification and major in early childhood education or early childhood and special education.

The programs in the department are designed to prepare professional educators who manifest the knowledge, dispositions, and competencies deemed necessary to enhance young children's overall intellectual, social, emotional, and personal growth and development. The design of the undergraduate professional program includes a variety of methods and content courses. These courses are supported by structured field experiences designed to provide opportunities to meld theory with practice in field-based interactions with young children.

The Department of Early Childhood and Special Education also offers three master's degree options. The Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree program with a major in early childhood education is designed to build upon the professional base of knowledge developed from the undergraduate curriculum. Candidates are expected to refine this base, developing abilities to deal with more of the intricate aspects of the teaching experience.

The department offer a Master of Arts for Teachers (M.A.T.) degree in special education with initial certification in special education adapted curriculum or special education general curriculum. The Master of Arts for Teachers (M.A.T.) degree in special education is a part of the GeorgiaOnMyLine family of programs. Offered fully online, it is designed for individuals who are seeking a master's degree and initial certification in special education. 

Valdosta State University's Early Childhood Programs are Nationally Recongnized by the Council For Exceptional Children and the Association for Childhood Education International.

ECSE Degree Programs

• B.S.Ed. with major in Early Childhood Education (Beginning Fall 2012)
• B.S.Ed. with a major in Early Childhood Education
  
  
• B.S.Ed. with a major in Early Childhood Special Education General Curriculum (Beginning Fall 2012)
• B.S.Ed. with a major in Early Childhood Special Education General Curriculum
  
  
• M.Ed.  with a major in Early Childhood Education
  
  
• M.A.T. with a major in Special Education

• GeorgiaOnMyLine
  • Special Education - Adapted Curriculum
  • Special Education - General Curriculum
    
    
• Graduate Fellowship Opportunity - USDE/OSEP Funded. Personnel Preparation Project for Preparation of Master of Arts in Teaching in Low Incidence Disabilities