Early Childhood Special Education Teacher

An Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Teacher supports young children with disabilities, three to five years, helping them build skills for learning, social interaction, and daily activities. ECSE Teachers create individualized learning plans, adapt curriculum, and collaborate closely with families and other professionals to ensure children can participate in inclusive environments. As noted by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), teaming with families and specialists is essential for building consistent support across home and school settings. ECSE Teachers work in preschools, childcare centers, and family homes, with the goal of promoting each child’s growth in academics, communication, social skills, and daily living skills during their most critical years of development.

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From Intervention Provider to Early Childhood Teacher

Kathy Boisvert began as an early intervention provider, gaining the tools she needed to become an early childhood special education teacher.

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What They Do

  • Develop and implement individualized learning plans for young children with disabilities.
  • Adapt curriculum and classroom environments for accessibility and participation.
  • Collaborate with families, Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, and Physical Therapists.
  • Support children’s academic, social, and daily living skill development.
  • Provide ongoing observation and assessment to track progress.

Where They Work

Early Childhood Special Education Teachers can work in public and private preschools, early childhood centers, Head Start programs, family homes, and community-based inclusive settings. They may also partner with Early Intervention Providers to support transitions from Birth-3 3 services to preschool programs.

How to Become an Early Childhood Special Education Teacher

Step 1:
Earn a bachelor’s degree in any of the following:

  • Early childhood education
  • Special education child development
  • Or similar

Step 2:
Obtain at least 480 hours of supervised experience in an early childhood setting. This can be obtained through internships, practicums, or employment in a licensed child care center or preschool.

Explore Early Childhood Special Education College Programs in Your State or Territory

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Want to Explore Other Career Options?

Ready to explore other paths in Early Childhood? Visit the ECIPC Early Childhood Careers page to learn how to get started.

Early Childhood Special Education Teacher Story Teller Series

Early Childhood Intervention Special Education Teacher for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

As an Early Childhood Special Education Teacher for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, you help families discover the power of communication. From a child’s first sign to their first word, every moment is a breakthrough.

Early Childhood Intervention Special Education Teacher

As an Early Childhood Special Education Teacher, you help families build the foundation for lifelong learning. In this role, you coach parents, celebrate every milestone, and make a lasting difference through early intervention—where small steps lead to big breakthroughs.

Every Child Supported by a Team of Providers

With over 20 years of teaching experience, this Early Intervention Provider and Early Childhood Special Education Teacher supports children from birth to age five — guiding families through milestones, building connections, and helping every child take their first steps toward success.

Supporting Young Learners with Disabilities, 3-5 years and Their Families

Amber, an Early Childhood Special Education Teacher, shares how she supports young learners and families in preschools and homes — and why watching children grow is the most rewarding part of her 14-year career.

Building Confidence in Young Children with Disabilities from Birth to 5

Rebecca Hicks, Earky Intervention Provider/Early Childhood Special Education Teacher, shares her 20+ year journey in special education — from supporting 3- to 5-year-olds in their very first classroom experiences to empowering families, teachers, and children to grow with confidence.

Every Child Supported by a Team of Providers

Catherine Clita began her career working with children birth to five. As a school staff member, she recognizes the importance of recruiting and retaining all kinds of service providers in schools to serve families and their children as best as possible.

PhD Student, Early Childhood Special Education

Jennifer Pena, a PhD student in Early Childhood Special Education, aims to advance research and expand the field through her career in this area, explaining why it is important.

Closing the Gaps in Early Childhood Research

Krystal Anderson, a doctoral student, returned to school to explore theories that bridge research and practice in early childhood and special education.