Special Pre-K through Age 21 Certificate
(IL Type 10 - Pre-Kindergarten through Age 21)
The special P-12 certificate is used exclusively for special education teachers. The College of Education offers several undergraduate and graduate programs leading to this certificate.
Learning Behavior Specialist I
The Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.) degree program in the Department of Teaching and Learning is designed for those who plan to teach students with disabilities at the elementary, intermediate, or secondary level. Completion of department and appropriate requirements leads to certification by entitlement as a learning behavior specialist I. This authorizes the certificate holder to teach students with learning disabilities, behavior disorders, developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, traumatic brain injury, and autism.
Initial certification as a learning behavior specialist I can also be earned through a Master of Science in Education program.
Visual Impairments
Candidates for initial certification to teach students with visual impairments may enroll in a program at either the undergraduate or graduate level.
The undergraduate program in the Department of Teaching and Learning results in a Bachelor of Science in Education degree.
Candidates who already have teacher certification and who enroll in the visual disabilities certification program at the graduate level can usually complete that program in 18 months (three semesters and a summer session). Candidates who do not have teacher certification before entering the program will require two calendar years for completion. A comprehensive examination is required at the end of the program instead of a thesis.
Preschool Special Education
This graduate-level specialization, which is provided by the Department of Teaching and Learning, prepares candidates to obtain early childhood special education (ECSE) approval to work with children with disabilities from 3-5 years of age. Students must hold or obtain certification in special education (Type 10) or early childhood (Type 04) in order to apply for the ECSE approval. Candidates who wish to obtain a Type 10 or Type 04 certification as part of their program must complete the coursework required for the type of certification desired. This specialization also prepares students to apply for an early intervention credential to work with infants and toddlers with special needs from 0-3 years of age. The result of this program is a Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed.) with a specialization in early childhood special education.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing
The Department of Literacy Education offers a major leading to bachelor's degree in education (B.S.Ed.) and an endorsement in deaf and hard of hearing. This program is being phased out and is no longer accepting candidates.
For specific information about these programs, contact the program advisors.
Program |
Advisor |
Phone |
|---|---|---|
(815) 753-8359 |
||
(815) 753-8359 |
||
(815) 753-8456 |