Early Childhood Regular and Special Education Dual Certification Program (M)
There are several aspects of our Early Childhood and Special Education dual major that are truly unique to CUW. In addition to the 121-credit requirement for public education majors, your studies in special education at CUW include a solid liberal arts foundation, a Christian emphasis, specialized coursework, and ample field experiences working alongside children with disabilities. Along with your dual major in Early Childhood and Special Education, we also offer a variety of minors, concentrations, and certificates, including an Urban Education concentration or our Compassion Care Certificate, which includes work with our Compassion Care and Comfort Dogs. Concordia offers a Lutheran Teacher Diploma for members of LCMS congregations who wish to teach in Lutheran schools and Christian Education Certification for members of other Christian churches who wish to teach in Christian schools. Thanks to our enhanced program, most students graduate in 4 years, and 99+ percent of them find jobs immediately.
The dual certification in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education (Birth through age 8) major allows you to apply for two teaching licenses with the Wisconsin department of public instruction. CUW’s special education department also sponsors organizations like Best Buddies to promote a greater understanding of disabilities throughout our campus community. In whatever discipline you decide, you’ll start with an open heart and mind, and leave more prepared than ever to enrich the lives of children with disabilities in any school setting.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Pupil Development. The teacher understands how pupils grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas. The teacher designs and implements developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences for pupils.
- Learning Differences. The teacher uses his or her understanding of individual pupil differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each pupil to meet high standards.
- Learning Environments. The teacher works with others to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning, and that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.
- Content Knowledge. The teacher understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of each discipline he or she teaches. The teacher creates learning experiences that make the discipline accessible and meaningful for pupils to assure mastery of the content.
- Application of Content. The teacher understands how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage pupils in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues.
- Assessment. The teacher understands and uses multiple methods of assessment to engage pupils in their own growth, to monitor pupil progress, and to guide the teacher’s and pupil’s decision making.
- Planning for Instruction. The teacher plans instruction that supports every pupil in meeting rigorous learning goals by drawing upon knowledge of content areas, curriculum, cross-disciplinary skills, pedagogy, pupils, and pupils’ communities.
- Instructional Strategies. The teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage pupils to develop a deep understanding of content areas and their connections, and to develop skills to apply knowledge in a meaningful way.
- Professional Learning and Ethical Practice. The teacher engages in ongoing professional learning. The teacher uses evidence to continuously evaluate the teacher’s practice, including the effects of the teacher’s choices and actions on pupils, their families, other educators, and the community. The teacher adapts the teacher’s practice to meet the needs of each pupil.
- Leadership and Collaboration. The teacher seeks appropriate leadership roles and opportunity in order to take responsibility for pupil learning, to collaborate with pupils, their families, educators, and the community, and to advance the profession.
- CUW Faith Standard: Educators model Christian servant leadership by demonstrating consistent moral and ethical behavior, inspiring others by example in their personal, professional, and community lives. In Christian schools, teachers integrate faith and learning, embodying a biblical worldview while fostering a value system that emphasizes character, mission, and service. Teacher candidates seeking the Lutheran Teacher Diploma adhere to the doctrine and practice of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.
Curriculum
Birth to Age 8
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements 1 | 48-51 | |
| Major Requirements | 73-79 | |
| Electives | ||
Minor: Optional | ||
| Total Hours | 121-130 | |
- 1
For transfer students, please see the Advanced Transfer Core.
NOTE: Check with the Chair of the Special Education Department for possible changes in this major
Core Curriculum - 48-51 Credits
Concordia Common Core - 18-21 Credits
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Theology - Public Education | ||
| REL 1000 | The Bible | 3 |
| REL 1100 | Christian Faith | 3 |
| Theology - Lutheran (LTD) & Christian (CTC) | ||
| REL 2010 | Old Testament | 3 |
| REL 2020 | New Testament | 3 |
| REL 2030 | Biblical Theology | 3 |
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CCE 1010 | Christian Citizen | 3 |
| CCE 1020 | Western Culture & Worldview | 3 |
| CCE 1030 | Western Thought & Worldview | 3 |
| CCE 1040 | Science & Humanity | 3 |
| Liberal Arts Dimensions - 30 Credits | ||
| Communication and Language Elective | 3 | |
| ENG 1040 | Introduction to Writing | 3 |
| Faith and Life Elective: Any course with REL prefix above REL 2030 | 3 | |
| ED 1102 | Foundations of Education | 3 |
| HHP Activity Course | 1 | |
| HHP 1100 | Stewardship of the Body | 1 |
| Human Creativity and Expression: Art, Music, Theater, or Graphic Design activity course | 3 | |
| MATH 1190 | Number Sense: Teaching Pre K-9 | 3 |
| MATH 1200 | Data & Space: Teaching Pre K-9 | 3 |
| SCI 1100 | Introduction to Life and Physical Sciences | 4 |
| ED 1103 | Human Relations for Teachers | 3 |
| Note: Two CUW - approved writing intensive courses are required for graduation. | ||
Early Childhood Regular/Special Education Curriculum
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Early Childhood Regular/Special Education Curriculum | ||
| Theoretical Component | ||
| ED 1230 | Nature of the Exceptional Child | 3 |
| ED 1231 | Best Practices in Engaging Children in Literacy | 3 |
| ED 1275 | Human Learning | 3 |
| ED 4411 | The Profession and Ethics of Teaching 2 | 3 |
| Education Seminars and Seminar Components (pass/fail) | ||
| ED 1000 | Orientation Seminar | 0 |
| ED 2000 | UDS Seminar | 0 |
| ED 3000 | Student Teaching Seminar | 0 |
| Practical Component: Regular Education | ||
| ED 2204 | The Art & Science of Teaching Reading | 3 |
| ED 3356 | STEM: Math in Early Childhood 2 | 2 |
| ED 3357 | STEM: Science and Environment in Early Childhood 2 | 2 |
| ED 2358 | Emergent Writing: Birth to Grade 3 | 2 |
| ED 3359 | Curriculum and Techniques in Early Childhood 2 | 4 |
| ED 3400 | Creativity in Early Childhood 2 | 2 |
| ED 3401 | Instruction & Assessment of Reading 2 | 3 |
| ED 2466 | Health, Safety, and Fitness for the Young Child | 3 |
| ED 4478 | Early Childhood Pre-Student Teaching 2 | 3 |
| Practical Component: Special Education | ||
| ED 2327 | Collaborating with Families and Professionals in a Diverse Society | 3 |
| ED 3328 | Teaching Students with Significant Disabilities 2 | 3 |
| ED 4479 | Assessment Strategies for Diverse Learners 2 | 3 |
| ED 4454 | Curriculum, Methods, & Pre-Student Teaching for CCSE/ECSE 2 | 4 |
| ED 3455 | Legal Issues in Special Education 2 | 3 |
| ED 3457 | Curricular Adaptations for Learners with Disabilities 2 | 3 |
| ED 2484 | Educational and Behavioral Management in Special Education | 3 |
| ED 4487 | Implementation Strategies in Special Education 2 | 2 |
| Student Teaching Component (Take these courses in the same semester) | ||
| ED 4449 | Portfolio Completion - Special Education 2 | 1 |
| ED 4425 | Early Childhood Student Teaching 2 | 6 |
| ED 4442 | ECSE Student Teaching 2 | 6 |
| Lutheran (LCMS Members) Teacher Diploma Requirements | ||
| ED 2306 | Teaching the Faith | 3 |
| REL 4000 | Lutheran Confessions | 3 |
| Christian Teacher Certification Requirements | ||
| ED 2306 | Teaching the Faith | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| REL 3500 | A Survey of Christian Thought | 3 |
| REL 3860 | Law and Gospel in the Life of the Church | 3 |
| PHIL 3250 | Christian Apologetics | 3 |
| PHIL 3340 | Christ and Culture | 3 |
- 2
Course requires upper division status
Plan
| Semester 1 | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| ED 1000 | Orientation Seminar | 0 |
| ED 1102 | Foundations of Education | 3 |
| MATH 1190 | Number Sense: Teaching Pre K-9 | 3 |
| ED 1230 | Nature of the Exceptional Child | 3 |
| CCE 1010 | Christian Citizen | 3 |
| REL 2010 | Old Testament | 3 |
| HHP 1100 | Stewardship of the Body | 1 |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| MATH 1200 | Data & Space: Teaching Pre K-9 | 3 |
| ED 1231 | Best Practices in Engaging Children in Literacy | 3 |
| CCE 1040 | Science & Humanity | 3 |
| ED 1275 | Human Learning | 3 |
| REL 2020 | New Testament | 3 |
| HHP ACTIVITY | 1 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| SCI 1100 | Introduction to Life and Physical Sciences | 4 |
| ENG 1040 | Introduction to Writing | 3 |
| CCE 1020 | Western Culture & Worldview | 3 |
| ED 1103 | Human Relations for Teachers | 3 |
| CREATIVE EXPRESSION | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| ED 2000 | UDS Seminar | 0 |
| CCE 1030 | Western Thought & Worldview | 3 |
| REL 2030 | Biblical Theology | 3 |
| ED 2204 | The Art & Science of Teaching Reading | 3 |
| COMMUNICATION & LANGUAGE | 3 | |
| ED 2327 | Collaborating with Families and Professionals in a Diverse Society | 3 |
| ED 2484 | Educational and Behavioral Management in Special Education | 3 |
| Hours | 18 | |
| Semester 5 | ||
| ED 2358 | Emergent Writing: Birth to Grade 3 | 2 |
| ED 3359 | Curriculum and Techniques in Early Childhood 2 | 4 |
| ED 3455 | Legal Issues in Special Education 2 | 3 |
| ED 3457 | Curricular Adaptations for Learners with Disabilities 2 | 3 |
| FAITH & LIFE | 3 | |
| ED 3328 | Teaching Students with Significant Disabilities | 3 |
| Hours | 18 | |
| Semester 6 | ||
| ED 2466 | Health, Safety, and Fitness for the Young Child | 3 |
| ED 3401 | Instruction & Assessment of Reading 2 | 3 |
| ED 3356 | STEM: Math in Early Childhood 2 | 2 |
| ED 3357 | STEM: Science and Environment in Early Childhood 2 | 2 |
| ED 4487 | Implementation Strategies in Special Education 2 | 2 |
| REL 4000 | Lutheran Confessions | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Semester 7 | ||
| ED 3000 | Student Teaching Seminar 2 | 0 |
| ED 3400 | Creativity in Early Childhood 2 | 2 |
| ED 4454 | Curriculum, Methods, & Pre-Student Teaching for CCSE/ECSE 2 | 4 |
| ED 4478 | Early Childhood Pre-Student Teaching 2 | 3 |
| ED 2306 | Teaching the Faith | 3 |
| ED 4411 | The Profession and Ethics of Teaching 2 | 3 |
| ED 4479 | Assessment Strategies for Diverse Learners 2 | 3 |
| Hours | 18 | |
| Semester 8 | ||
| ED 4425 | Early Childhood Student Teaching 2 | 6 |
| ED 4442 | ECSE Student Teaching 2 | 6 |
| ED 4449 | Portfolio Completion - Special Education 2 | 1 |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Total Hours | 130 | |
Course options and schedule are subject to change.
Plan
| Semester 1 | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| ED 1000 | Orientation Seminar | 0 |
| ED 1102 | Foundations of Education | 3 |
| MATH 1190 | Number Sense: Teaching Pre K-9 | 3 |
| ED 1230 | Nature of the Exceptional Child | 3 |
| CCE 1010 | Christian Citizen | 3 |
| REL 1100 | Christian Faith | 3 |
| HHP 1100 | Stewardship of the Body | 1 |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| MATH 1200 | Data & Space: Teaching Pre K-9 | 3 |
| ED 1231 | Best Practices in Engaging Children in Literacy | 3 |
| CCE 1040 | Science & Humanity | 3 |
| ED 1275 | Human Learning | 3 |
| ENG 1040 | Introduction to Writing | 3 |
| HHP ACTIVITY | 1 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Semester 3 | ||
| SCI 1100 | Introduction to Life and Physical Sciences | 4 |
| REL 1000 | The Bible | 3 |
| CCE 1020 | Western Culture & Worldview | 3 |
| ED 1103 | Human Relations for Teachers | 3 |
| CREATIVE EXPRESSION | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Semester 4 | ||
| ED 2000 | UDS Seminar | 0 |
| CCE 1030 | Western Thought & Worldview | 3 |
| FAITH & LIFE | 3 | |
| ED 2204 | The Art & Science of Teaching Reading | 3 |
| ED 2327 | Collaborating with Families and Professionals in a Diverse Society | 3 |
| ED 2484 | Educational and Behavioral Management in Special Education | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Semester 5 | ||
| ED 2358 | Emergent Writing: Birth to Grade 3 | 2 |
| ED 3359 | Curriculum and Techniques in Early Childhood 2 | 4 |
| ED 3455 | Legal Issues in Special Education 2 | 3 |
| ED 3457 | Curricular Adaptations for Learners with Disabilities 2 | 3 |
| ED 3328 | Teaching Students with Significant Disabilities | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Semester 6 | ||
| ED 2466 | Health, Safety, and Fitness for the Young Child | 3 |
| ED 3401 | Instruction & Assessment of Reading 2 | 3 |
| ED 3356 | STEM: Math in Early Childhood 2 | 2 |
| ED 3357 | STEM: Science and Environment in Early Childhood 2 | 2 |
| ED 4487 | Implementation Strategies in Special Education 2 | 2 |
| COMMUNICATION & LANGUAGE | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Semester 7 | ||
| ED 3000 | Student Teaching Seminar 2 | 0 |
| ED 3400 | Creativity in Early Childhood 2 | 2 |
| ED 4454 | Curriculum, Methods, & Pre-Student Teaching for CCSE/ECSE 2 | 4 |
| ED 4478 | Early Childhood Pre-Student Teaching 2 | 3 |
| ED 4411 | The Profession and Ethics of Teaching 2 | 3 |
| ED 4479 | Assessment Strategies for Diverse Learners | 3 |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Semester 8 | ||
| ED 4425 | Early Childhood Student Teaching 2 | 6 |
| ED 4442 | ECSE Student Teaching 2 | 6 |
| ED 4449 | Portfolio Completion - Special Education 2 | 1 |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Total Hours | 121 | |
Course options and schedule are subject to change.