This program is a Bachelor's of Individualized Study with a concentration in Inclusive Early Childhood Education. Students completing this program are prepared to serve as teachers of students with and without disabilities in a variety of educational placements and service delivery models; including early intervention, hospital education, ESCE, and public elementary settings. It is designed for students who have earned their Associate's Degree and are working as instructional assistants.
Completers of this program earn a four-year degree and are eligible for a Virginia teaching license in areas: Birth - age 5 special education and PK-3rd grade general education.
For application instructions click here, or watch the video below.
Who is Eligible?
- Students with a Transferable Associate's Degree from a VCCS
- Students who have passed Praxis Core Math before starting the program
- Students who want to become early interventionists, early childhood special education teachers, or teachers in preschool through third grade (general education)
- Students who need an online program and are working as instructional assistants in PK-12 schools
Field Experiences
- Private and public preschools (Early childhood special education)
- Early intervention (EI) or an early childhood special education (ECSE) classroom
- General education classrooms K-3rd grade
- Student teach the final semesters (8 weeks each: one placement in EI or ECSE and one in K-3 general education)
Degree & Licensure
- About 60 credit hours at JMU plus your AA degree will meet the 120 credit hours required for a 4-year degree
- For teacher licensure in VA & program completion passing scores on the following assessments are required:
- ALEKS Math Assessment at JMU
- Praxis Teaching Reading: Elementary (5205)
- Praxis Subject Assessments (5001; subtests 5002, 5003, 5004, 5005)
Apply now!
- Applications are accepted February 10 through July 1.
- Priority deadline is April 1.
B.I.S. Coordinator
Educational Foundations and Exceptionalities Department
Hours of Operation:
Mon - Fri 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Summer Hours of Operation:
Mon - Thur 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Fri 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Mon - Fri 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Summer Hours of Operation:
Mon - Thur 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Fri 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
