Early childhood education special educators work with the very young, even infants. Special services are offered if children are delayed in their development in any way, such as sight, hearing, speech, difficulties in walking or caring for themselves, serious emotional or behavioral problems. These education professionals also work with the families, providing services in various centers, in the home, or a combination of the two. By preschool age, most services are provided in a school or community center program. Early childhood special education teachers who want to move beyond the classroom also can become administrators or trainers of other early childhood special education teachers.
Early childhood special educators work with infants who have a known disability or might just be slow developing. They work with the parents in creating activities to stimulate the child's growth. Parents are fully involved in planning and implementing the activities that are geared to the child's special needs. These activities could be as diverse as helping a blind child develop ear-hand coordination rather than eye-hand coordination; or encouraging a child who is slow to grasp or hold toys.
The early childhood special educator can work with preschoolers in either a special classroom or in a regular preschool class. Special education teachers create individual education plans for each child, helping the child develop social, self-help, motor, language and learning skills. The plan builds on the child's strengths and challenges the child in other areas. Much learning can be done through play at this stage.
In many ways, the early childhood special education professional is a resource for parents as well. Working in cooperation with parents and families, the special education teacher is able to set priorities and work together to help the child progress. Many times, the teacher is just one of several professionals working with the child. Some children need a physical or occupational therapist and a speech and language pathologist. Social workers and counselors may also be part of a child's team. All of these people need to work together so that the child succeeds.
In order to be an early childhood special educator, teachers need to have at least a bachelor's degree. Some states require graduate work beyond that or even a master's degree. Coursework focuses on child development, with an emphasis on infants and children up to age 5; atypical development of infants, toddlers and preschoolers; a look at the different kinds of disabilities a child may have; information on working with families who have children with special needs; as well curriculum and assessment methods and serving as a member of a team. Special educators will be trained in working with parents from all cultures. Field experiences will include stints in childcare, home or school settings. Student teaching or an internship will be required as well. Some states have a special certificate for early childhood special educators; others add an early childhood endorsement to an existing certificate. The need is great for early childhood special educators because of a push throughout the country for early intervention for children with disabilities.