Inclusive Early Childhood Education (B.A.)

(B.A.) in Inclusive Early Childhood Education

Prepare to support young learners in inclusive preschool and kindergarten settings and pursue careers in early intervention and child development.

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INSIDE College of Education and Human Performance
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INSIDE Teacher Education
Accreditation Art Education (B.A.) Elementary Education (B.A.) Mathematics Education (B.A.) Social Studies Education (B.A.) General Science Education (B.A.) Music Education (B.A.) Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Master of Arts Education (M.A.Ed) Health and Physical Education: Athletic Coaching Education (B.A.) English Education (B.A.) Biology Education (B.A.) Middle Childhood Education (B.A.) Inclusive Early Childhood Education (B.A.)

Prepare young learners for success

through inclusive education.

Build the knowledge, practical experience, and professional qualifications needed to support children of all abilities during their earliest years of learning. Through coursework, field experiences, and residency placements, you’ll graduate ready to teach, advocate, and lead in inclusive early childhood environments.

Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Total Credits: Minimum 124 credit hours
Outcome: Teaching certification preparation in preschool and kindergarten general education and special needs; preparation for early intervention careers
Format: On-campus with extensive field placements and year long residency

Program

Overview

West Liberty University’s Inclusive Early Childhood Education program prepares educators to support children from preschool through kindergarten in inclusive learning environments. Combining early childhood education, special education, child development, reading, and community-based learning, the program develops professionals who can meet the diverse needs of young learners while supporting families and communities.

Who This

Program Is For

Future Early Childhood Teachers

Students who want to teach preschool and kindergarten learners while creating engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences.

Aspiring Special Education Professionals

Individuals passionate about supporting children with diverse learning needs in inclusive classroom environments.

Early Intervention Advocates

Students interested in working with young children and families through programs such as Birth to Three, developmental services, or community-based interventions.

Child Development and Family Services Professionals

Students seeking careers that connect education, child development, family engagement, and community support services.

Educational Leaders and Consultants

Individuals interested in future roles involving curriculum development, program leadership, educational consulting, or childcare administration.

What

You’ll Learn

Graduates gain the expertise to create inclusive, evidence-based learning environments that support the academic, social, emotional, and developmental needs of young children. Students develop the skills needed to assess learning, collaborate with families, and implement effective instructional strategies for diverse populations.

Inclusive Classroom Instruction

  • Design developmentally appropriate learning experiences
  • Create engaging preschool and kindergarten environments
  • Implement inclusive teaching practices for diverse learners

Assessment and Child Development

  • Assess children’s developmental progress and learning needs
  • Apply child development principles to instructional planning
  • Use data to support individualized learning outcomes

Special Education and Family Collaboration

  • Develop strategies for supporting students with exceptionalities
  • Collaborate effectively with families and multidisciplinary teams
  • Implement interventions that promote positive learning outcomes

Curriculum

Overview

The curriculum balances general studies coursework with specialized preparation in early childhood education, special education, reading instruction, child development, and professional education. Students progress from foundational concepts to increasingly immersive field experiences and residency placements.

Program Structure

  • General Studies Requirements
  • Early Childhood Education Coursework
  • Special Education Coursework
  • Reading and Literacy Instruction
  • Professional Education Core
  • Field Experiences and Clinical Placements
  • Residency Semester I
  • Residency Semester II (Student Teaching/Professional Residency)

Required Prerequisites Include:

  • Introduction to Professional Education (EDUC 100)
  • Human Development (EDUC 201)
  • Foundations of Education (EDUC 207)
  • Instructional Technology (EDUC 290)
  • Introduction to Exceptionalities (SPED 241)

Admission Requirements

Students must successfully complete designated admission points within the Teacher Education Program before advancing to residency experiences and professional certification pathways. Requirements are outlined in the Teacher Education Student Policy Manual.

View the Catalog

Career &

Outcomes

Fair

Graduates are prepared for rewarding careers supporting young children and families in educational, community, and early intervention settings. The program provides pathways into traditional teaching roles as well as specialized positions in child development and educational leadership.

  • Preschool Teacher
  • Kindergarten Teacher
  • Early Intervention Developmental Specialist
  • Service Coordinator
  • Childcare Teacher or Director
  • Child Life Specialist
  • Child Development Consultant
  • Early Childhood Education Consultant
  • Curriculum Coordinator

Through nationally accredited coursework, extensive field experiences, and certification-focused preparation, students graduate ready to support diverse learners and pursue professional teaching credentials.

Program Length
& Format

Time to Completion:

Typically four years (124 credit hours).

Delivery Format:

Primarily on-campus coursework combined with supervised field placements, clinical experiences, and residency semesters.

Experiential / Clinical Training

Students complete field placements throughout the program and participate in two residency semesters that provide immersive, hands-on professional experience in educational settings. Coursework and placements emphasize inclusive education, special education, child development, and reading instruction across a variety of early childhood environments.

These experiences help students develop professional confidence while meeting preparation requirements for teacher certification and career readiness.

Admission

Requirements

Admission to the Inclusive Early Childhood Education program follows the Teacher Education Program’s structured admissions process designed to ensure students are academically prepared for professional coursework, residency experiences, and certification requirements.

Requirements:

  • Admission to West Liberty University
  • Completion of Teacher Education admission milestones
  • Submission of required electronic applications at designated admission points
  • Successful completion of prerequisite and professional coursework
  • Compliance with Teacher Education Program requirements outlined in the Student Policy Manual

Application Deadline:

Refer to the Teacher Education Program admissions calendar and Student Policy Manual for current deadlines.

Applicants progress through four admission points:

  1. Admission to the Teacher Education Program
  2. Admission to Residency Semester I
  3. Admission to Residency Semester II (Professional Semester)
  4. Graduation and Certification

Applications and progression decisions are based on successful completion of program requirements and approval at each admission stage.

Advisors are available to help students plan prerequisites and prepare strong applications.

Cost, Aid

& Affordability

West Liberty University is committed to delivering a high-quality professional education that remains accessible and affordable.

Tuition & Fees

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Students may be eligible for:

  • Federal and state financial aid
  • Institutional scholarships
  • Program-specific or need-based assistance

Financial aid counselors and academic advisors work closely with students to help them understand costs, explore funding options, and plan for their educational investment.

Why Choose
West Liberty University

West Liberty University’s Inclusive Early Childhood Education program combines nationally accredited teacher preparation with practical, hands-on experiences that prepare graduates to serve children of all abilities. Students benefit from a supportive learning environment, close faculty mentorship, and meaningful professional experiences that align with today’s educational standards and workforce needs.

Students benefit from:

  • Nationally accredited Inclusive Early Childhood Education program
  • Preparation for preschool and kindergarten general education and special needs certification areas
  • Strong emphasis on inclusive education, child development, special education, and reading instruction
  • Extensive field placements and residency experiences that connect classroom learning to professional practice
  • Personalized support from faculty and the close-knit West Liberty community while preparing for meaningful careers serving children and families

These elements ensure graduates are well prepared to enter the profession with confidence, competence, and a commitment to supporting all learners.

Become A
Hilltopper

West Liberty University is a place where you can pursue your dreams and prepare for the future. With more than 60 programs, a vibrant campus life, small classes, and an affordable cost, the quality education you’ll get at West Liberty is like no other.

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