QUICK FACTS
Practicum and Student Teaching
You will participate in a supervised teaching practicum class working with infants, toddlers and preschoolers with special needs. You'll also participate in a semester of student teaching in both pre-kindergarten and K-3 settings during your final semester.
LEARN MORE
Early childhood is when many children are identified as having exceptional needs. An Early Childhood Education Degree will give you the skills to work with all children and can also lead to opportunities to work as a resource for others in the field.
The in-demand dual major will prepare you to:
- Teach typically developing children in a preschool or school setting.
- Teach children with special needs and disabilities from birth to age 5 within an agency or public school. Learn more about our early childhood special education program.
Check out the following four-year course plan for an overview of a common course of study for our students.
COURSE PLAN (PDF)
Program Benefits
- Experienced, Engaged Faculty: Our faculty have extensive real-world experiences in their respective areas of expertise including classroom teaching, clinical supervision, public school administration, program development, and consultation.
- Community Engagement: We prepare teachers who are culturally responsive and committed to social justice through engagement with the community.
- Multiple Field Experiences: Our program includes intensive field experiences in a variety of settings. Most courses immerse students in practicum or service-learning opportunities, culminating in exciting student teaching options.
- Immersive Learning and Study Abroad Opportunities: Our programs offer real-world applications and immersive learning projects, in which you'll gain valuable, hands-on experience working alongside community organizations such as museums, childcare centers, and community agencies. You also have a variety of opportunities to travel and learn, including studying abroad in England and student teaching in Texas or Germany.
Take the Next Step
If you’d like to learn more about our Early Childhood Special Education and Early Childhood Education Degree Dual Major, complete our online form. Or one of the best ways to get a true feel for Ball State is to see it for yourself, so schedule a visit today! And if you’re ready to apply, review our admission requirements and complete our online application.
Have Questions?
Contact the Department of Early Childhood, Youth, and Family Studies so we can help.
CONTACT US