LOYOLA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO

2024-2025 CATALOG

The Academic Catalog is the official listing of courses, programs of study, academic policies and degree requirements for Loyola University Chicago. It is published every year in advance of the next academic year.

Early Childhood Special Education (BSEd)

The Early Childhood Special Education program is designed for any student who is interested in working with the youngest children, whether in general education, special education, or inclusive settings from birth to age 8. It emphasizes inclusive, specialized teaching practices to develop meaningful learning experiences for both typically developing children and those with disabilities.

Upon program completion, graduates earn a BSEd in Early Childhood Special Education. They are eligible for the Illinois State Board of Education Professional Educator License (PEL) in ECSE, which includes general and special education across the full range of birth to age 8. The ECSE also includes the English as Second Language (ESL) endorsement and three other Illinois early childhood credentials:

  • The Illinois Early Intervention credential in Developmental Therapy
  • Gateways Level 5 Infant/Toddler credential
  • Gateways Level 5 Early Childhood credential

All of Loyola’s Bachelor of Science in Education (BSEd) students complete the Teaching, Learning, and Leading with Schools and Communities (TLLSC) curriculum as their foundation. For ECSE majors, this unique, research-based approach emphasizes authentic learning of practices through direct work with infants/toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children. TLSC modules largely take place in school and community settings and were designed with four Cornerstones in mind—partnering with schools and communities, classroom diversity, ongoing classroom experience, and participating in professional learning communities. Learn more by reading through the Early Childhood Special Education Program Viewbook.