Beginning Fall 2015, the UH Mānoa College of Education (COE) will offer an Early Childhood & Early Childhood Special Education bachelor of education (BEd) program. The new blended program will prepare early childhood educators to serve diverse groups of young children, especially in settings that include children with disabilities.

Students will learn developmentally appropriate practices for children Pre-K–3 while working toward two teaching licenses, one in early childhood general education and one in early childhood special education. The program will be offered statewide through distance education, and course offerings in the late afternoon, evening, and weekend days will enable working students to enroll.

Graduates of the blended program would be eligible for employment in private preschools, Head Start programs, Hawai‘i Department of Education early childhood settings, and other early childhood programs. Students working in early childhood settings may be able to meet field experience and student teaching requirements in their current employment settings.

Recruitment for another COE program has already begun for the Fall 2014 semester. The Elementary Education and Special Education bachelor of education (BEd) program is offering a cohort at Leeward Community College (LCC). Teacher candidates will graduate with both elementary and special education teaching licenses.

This program includes on-campus classes at LCC during the semester as well as online courses in the summer. While the purpose of the cohort is to serve Leeward and Central O‘ahu, the program is open to all students.

“Both of these programs highlight the different ways the COE is providing unique programs that are structured to meet the teacher needs of our state and the needs of students,” said Academic Advisor Niki Libarios.

For admissions and application information on both programs, please contact the COE Office of Student Academic Services at (808) 956-7915.