Exceptional Education: Early Childhood BS
Early intervention is key for many children with disabilities, and so the early childhood special education teacher has the potential to make a lifelong impact.
Special education teachers who specialize in early childhood are also in demand as more and more children with disabilities are diagnosed earlier — in fact, the preschool, kindergarten and elementary school levels are the fastest-growing areas of special education, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Program Type
Major
Program Format
On Campus
Inclusive Early Childhood Education
Visit the Inclusive Early Childhood Education webpage to learn more about this upcoming program that will prepare students to teach in settings for young children from birth through 3rd grade.
Career
UWM’s Early Childhood Special Education Program prepares teachers to provide special education services in infant/toddler, preschool or primary settings up to third grade. It emphasizes multicultural, family-centered and interdisciplinary preparation.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, preschool, kindergarten and elementary school levels are the fastest-growing areas of special education.
Scholarships
We are excited to make available awards for tuition and book costs for some full- and part-time students in the Early Childhood Special Education program. These awards are made possible by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs, through Project EI/EC Engage. Priority is given to students with a strong academic record or documentation of recent superior performance in employment.
Research
Dr. Maggie Bartlett’s research focuses on the cultural practices and complexities as it intersects with the education for children with disabilities and their families. She uses critical, decolonizing, social justice and comparative lenses in her work both nationally and in Namibia and Tanzania.
Program Requirements
The Early Childhood Special Education major leads to a Bachelor of Science in Exceptional Education. Teacher candidates are admitted to the Early Childhood major upon declaring the major or transferring from another institution. Upon completion, you will be eligible to apply for a Cross-Categorical Special Education Teaching License from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction for ages birth to 8 (Grades 0-3).
Candidates can be admitted to the certification track(s) of the major upon:
- Successful completion of 40 credits.
- Completion of UWM competency requirements in English and mathematics.
Post-Baccalaureate Program
UWM’s Post-Baccalaureate Early Childhood Special Education Program prepares teachers to provide special education services in infant/toddler, preschool or primary settings up to third grade. It emphasizes multicultural, family-centered and interdisciplinary preparation. After you successfully complete the program, you are eligible for an early childhood special education teaching license from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
Post-Baccalaureate Program Certification Summary (PDF)
Program Requirements
- For individuals with a bachelor’s degree without a teaching license or experience, it is a two-year program.
- For individuals with a bachelor’s degree and teacher certification in Early Childhood Education, the program is generally about one year.
Master’s Degree
You have the option of combining the certification program with a master’s degree, taking up to 18 credits of your certification program at the graduate level. The remaining credits, including an action research project, can be completed after certification. Your advisor will help you determine the best time in your program to apply to the graduate school.
809 Add-On License
The Department of Exceptional Education is authorized by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction to extend the certification held by Early Childhood: Exceptional Education Needs teachers (license 808) from birth through kindergarten to birth through age 8. This is known as an 809 add-on license.
The 809 license extends your teaching options, allowing you to teach children with disabilities in infant/toddler programs and in kindergarten through third grade. The 809 add-on program requires the following courses:
- CURRINS 330: Teaching of Mathematics: Early Childhood
- CURRINS 504: Teaching of Reading and Writing in Early Childhood: Primary
- EXCEDUC 570: Curriculum & Methods for Special Ed.: Primary
- EXCEDUC 649: Early Childhood Field Experience: Primary
- EXCEDUC 682: Language and Literacy in ECSE
UWM Admission
| Undergraduate Admission | To be considered for admission to UWM, you must meet all UWM admissions requirements and complete the Universities of Wisconsin Application. |
| Post-Baccalaureate Certification | The School of Education post-baccalaureate certification programs lead to teaching certification and licensure. This pathway is for someone who already has an undergraduate degree and aspires to become a classroom teacher. |
| Graduate Admission | To be considered for admission to the School of Education Curriculum and Instruction, MS or Exceptional Education, MS program you must meet all UWM Graduate School admission requirements. Individuals interested in earning teacher certification with their master’s degree will select a certification area of interest. |
The Universities of Wisconsin Application is required even if you have applied or attended UWM previously as an undergraduate, graduate, or University Special student.
In completing the Universities of Wisconsin application, attend to the following:
- It is important that you answer the initial questions in a specific way to ensure that your application is coded correctly.
- When asked, “Are you applying for a degree or a few courses?” you must select “Degree.”
- When asked, “Are you looking to earn a bachelor’s degree or graduate degree?” you must select “Bachelor’s Degree.”
- Select UW-Milwaukee as the campus to which you are applying.
- When you arrive at the “Choose your major/program” page, select “Education & Training” followed by your specific area.
- Select your desired semester/start term and continue with the remainder of the application.
- Important Note: For the essay portion of the application, include the statement “I am applying to pursue a teaching certification” along with your current WI teaching license information or if you’re seeking initial WI teaching licensure, as well as subject areas of interest.
- Required: Official transcripts from all institutions where undergraduate and graduate credit has been earned, except UWM. Transcripts should be sent directly from your institution(s) to UWM.
School of Education: Advancement to Professional Sequence Process (Advance to Major)
Complete the Intent to Advance to Professional Sequence Form
Advancement to the professional program sequence is based on a review of all application materials by the program admission committee and is contingent upon availability of space.
Professional Sequence Admission
The Early Childhood Special Education professional sequence is a cohort program that begins a two-year course sequence each fall semester. Please see your academic advisor to determine your readiness to begin the professional sequence.
Post-Baccalaureate Students
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Applications must be submitted a minimum of 6 weeks prior to the semester in which you wish to begin.
Faculty
- Associate Professor, Teaching and Learning
- Program Director, Exceptional Education, MS
- bartletm@uwm.edu
- 414-229-6914
- Enderis Hall 317
Academic Resources
April 1
Associate Professor and Faculty Coordinator
bartletm@uwm.edu
To discuss your academic plan and coursework, contact an academic advisor:
Office of Student Services Advising
soeinfo@uwm.edu
414-229-4721