Special Education PreK-12 & Early Childhood PreK-4 (B.S.)

Special Education PreK–12 & Early Childhood Education PreK–4 (Dual Certification – Undergraduate)

Shape the Future of Every Child—From Their First Classroom to Their Last

If you're drawn to a career that makes a lifelong impact, East Stroudsburg University’s Dual Certification in Special Education (PreK–12) and Early Childhood Education (PreK–4) gives you the tools, training, and real-world experience to teach and support children of all abilities in inclusive, diverse, and developmentally rich learning environments.

This undergraduate program is ideal for students who want to become a certified special education teacher while also earning certification in early childhood education, a powerful combination that opens more career doors and empowers you to support learners from their earliest years through high school.

Why ESU?

From your very first semester, you’ll be immersed in hands-on learning. Our students complete over 1,000 hours of fieldwork, giving you the chance to observe and teach in both early childhood education classrooms and special education settings. Whether you’re teaching toddlers in inclusive Pre-K programs or supporting high schoolers with complex learning needs, you’ll gain valuable experience at every level.

Through our School University Partnership (SUP), you’ll be mentored by highly qualified educators in local schools who model best practices in inclusive education and developmentally appropriate instruction. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to work directly with individuals with disabilities through ESU’s on-campus initiatives and community outreach programs.

What You'll Learn

In this dual certification teaching degree, you’ll learn to:

• Design instruction that meets the academic, social, and emotional needs of young children and students with disabilities.
• Create inclusive lesson plans that foster growth for all learners in PreK–12 settings.
• Understand and apply developmentally appropriate practices and individualized education programs (IEPs).
• Master behavior and classroom management strategies tailored for early childhood and special education populations.
• Collaborate with families, administrators, and support staff to enhance student outcomes.

Whether you’re interested in teaching preschool, kindergarten, or supporting older students with special needs, this program equips you with the skills to lead with empathy, structure, and success.

Your Future Career in Education

ESU’s early childhood special education dual certification program prepares you for meaningful and in demand teaching careers in both public and private schools. With dual licensure, you'll stand out in the job market as a flexible and highly qualified educator.

Common career paths include:

Many of our graduates also go on to pursue leadership roles in education or advanced degrees in applied behavior analysis, literacy, or educational leadership.

Supportive, Student-Focused Learning Environment

As part of our education community, you’ll be encouraged to grow inside and outside the classroom. Join student organizations like the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), Sigma Pi Epsilon Delta, and Best Buddies, which allow you to develop leadership skills, network with peers, and volunteer in programs that benefit individuals with disabilities across our region.

At ESU, you’ll find small class sizes, experienced faculty mentors, and a campus culture that prioritizes student success, making it an ideal place to begin your journey toward teaching children with disabilities and becoming a compassionate and capable early educator.

Begin Your Career in Teaching with Confidence

Whether your goal is to teach in preschool classrooms, support children with special needs, or serve as a leader in inclusive education, this dual certification program in early childhood and special education provides the foundation you need to thrive.

Make a difference where it matters most. Start your career in education at East Stroudsburg University.

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