The Department of Early Childhood and Special Education is a community of professional educators dedicated to the preparation of teachers and other professionals who have the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to work with young children birth through kindergarten, students with special needs, and their families. It values the integration of current theory, research, and professional expertise from multiple disciplines and perspectives to inform practices that enable diverse learners to reach their potential.

The department provides opportunities for students to develop as educational leaders and advocates for the children and families they serve. It develops, implements, and coordinates programs leading to undergraduate degrees and/or licensure in birth through kindergarten education and special education (general and adapted tracks), and graduate degrees in special education (behavior disorders, cognitive disorders, and learning disorders). Graduate students in special education may also choose to specialize in autism or reading.