
The Bachelor's of Individualized Study with a concentration in Inclusive Early Childhood Education is designed for students who have earned their transferable associate's degree and are working as instructional assistants. Completers of this program earn a bachelor's degree and are eligible for a Virginia teaching license in Early Childhood (grades PK-3) and Early Childhood Special Education (birth to age 5).
Who is Eligible?
- Students with a transferable associate degree from a VCCS college.
- A transferrable associate degree from any VCCS institution will provide the smoothest transition to BIS coursework.
- Students accepted into the program without a transferable associate degree may have to complete general education requirements not transferred into JMU. Therefore, it is important to know that a student may have to take more courses in addition to their program courses.
- Students who have completed a minimum of 30 transferable college credits.
- Students who want to work in Early Intervention, Early Childhood Special Education, or PK-3 General Education.
- Students who need an online program and are working as instructional assistants in PK-3 schools.
Field Experiences
- Typically in a public school PK-3 inclusive classroom.
- Student teach in a public school for eight weeks in an Early Childhood Special Education classroom (or Early Intervention) and eight weeks in a K-3 general education classroom.
Program Requirements
- About 60 credit hours at JMU plus your transferrable associate's degree (or approved credit) will meet the 120 credit hours required for a bachelor's degree
- Synchronous program courses
- Passing scores on the following assessments are required for degree and licensure
- ALEKS Math Assessment at JMU
- Praxis Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects: (5001; subtests 5002, 5003, 5004, 5005)
- Praxis Teaching Reading: Elementary (5205)
B.I.S. Coordinator
BIS Program Coordinator
540.568.5836
For application instructions click here, or watch the video below.