Early Childhood Education and Exceptional Needs
License: Early Childhood Education, Mild Intervention, and Early Literacy1
Grade Levels: Prekindergarten through Grade 3 (P-3), Prekindergarten through Grade 5 (P-5)
REPA 3
Please visit the Purdue University 2024-2025 Catalog for additional program information
Total Credit Hours – 120
Required Major Courses
A 2.00/4.00 Graduation GPA is required for a Bachelor of Science degree.
| Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| HDFS 20100 – Introduction to Relationship and Family Science | 3 |
| HDFS 21000 – Introduction to Human Development | 3 |
| HDFS 28000 – Diversity in Individual and Family Life | 3 |
| HDFS 31100 – Child Development | 3 |
| HDFS 34600 – Research Design and Program Evaluation | 3 |
Professional Education
2.50/4.00 Overall GPA is required for the Teacher Education Program, with Professional Education (including any Professional Education elective), and optional Learner Specialty Pathway course grades “C” or higher, no “I” (Incomplete).
| Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| AD 20100 – Art for Elementary School Teachers | 3 |
| EDCI 27000 – Introduction to Educational Technology and Computing | 1 |
| EDPS 32700 – Classroom Assessment* | 1 |
| EDPS 36201 – Positive Behavioral Supports* | 2 |
| HDFS 26000 – Young Children with Exceptional Needs OR | 3 |
| EDPS 20001 – Special Populations Seminar: Focus on Students with Disabilities and Differentiation Approaches* AND | 1 |
| EDPS 26501 – The Inclusive Classroom | 2 |
| HDFS 31000 – Guidance in Early Childhood | 3 |
| HDFS 31801 – Developmental Assessment | 3 |
| HDFS 40000 – Social Studies in Preschool and Primary Grades | 2 |
| HDFS 40510 – Literacy in Preschool & Primary Grades** | 3 |
| HDFS 40600 – Mathematics in Preschool and Primary Grades** | 4 |
| HDFS 40800 – Curriculum Applications of Atypical Development** | 4 |
| HDFS 40900 – Science in Preschool and Primary Grades** | 3 |
| HDFS 41200 – Music and Movement in Preschool and Primary Grades | 3 |
| HDFS 41500 – Approaches to Early Childhood Education** | 3 |
| HDFS 42000 – Developmental Foundations of Infant and Toddler Curriculum** | 3 |
| HDFS 44000 – Expanded Student Teaching** (1 credit minimum req. but variable up to 3 cr) | 1 |
| SLHS 30900 – Language Development | 3 |
Student Teaching (Capstone)
| Courses | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| HDFS 45010 – Supervised Teaching in Inclusive Programs for Young Children | 12 |
Optional Learner Specialty Pathway
Completion of a Learner Specialty Pathway is NOT required for this program, but students may choose to complete a Learner Specialty Pathway if desired. Completion of the High Ability or English Language Learners Pathways may lead to additional licensure. More information may be found at the following link: https://education.purdue.edu/undergraduate-students/prospective-students/majors/
Course Requirements and Notes
*Professional Education Foundation Course with a linked Foundations Portfolio Common Assessment; course completion required for successful progression through Milestone C.
**Professional Education Restricted Methods Course; students must successfully progress through Milestone A to enroll in any Professional Education Restricted Methods Course.
Licensure Information
All Purdue University Teacher Education Program, Bachelor of Science degree, and Indiana Department of Education requirements must be met for recommendation for Indiana licensure.
After all requirements are met, Purdue graduates will be considered eligible to apply to the Indiana Department of Education for licensure under REPA 3 in:
Early Childhood Education (P-3)
Mild Intervention (P-3)
Early Literacy (P-5)¹
Optional: High Ability (P-12) or Teachers of English Learners (P-12) if all chosen Learner Specialty Pathway requirements are complete
Visit the Indiana Department of Education website for more information about what courses can be taught once licensed in this area.
For additional information regarding Teacher Education guidelines, please reference:
2024-2025 Teacher Education Program (TEP) Requirements and Milestones
2024-2025 Early Childhood Education and Exceptional Needs Program Checklist
¹Beginning July 1, 2025 – According to the Indiana State Board of Education, students seeking an Initial Indiana License in a content area involving literacy instruction, including special education, must obtain an Early Literacy endorsement (P-5), as required under IC 20-28-5-19.7