The “Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)” was passed into law in 1975. All students with disabilities must receive “free appropriate public education.” Every special education student must also have their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
Indeed, IDEA opened opportunities for excellent early childhood special education careers. Since 1975, the number of students in special education has doubled. From 3.6 million students (1976-1977), it has increased to almost 7.3 million (2021-2022).
However, the growing demand for special education services has resulted in teacher shortages. The effect on the delivery of special education services is evident in many states.
Are you interested in filling the gap? If you are, then you should be aware of the special education teacher requirements. Look into education and licensure requirements first.
What’s so special about early childhood special education careers anyway? You can support young children with disabilities to achieve their full potential. Early intervention is crucial because of its significant impact on their holistic development. Their formative years are the best time to address their unique challenges, too.
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What Is Special Education in Early Childhood?
Special education in early childhood programs has these characteristics:
- Every student has their own IEP based on their diagnosis and treatment goals.
- Early intervention services are a must.
- Popular therapeutic interventions include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.
- Inclusive classrooms where special education students attend general education classrooms.
You will agree that these programs feature a comprehensive yet customized approach. Your job is to find the right balance.
What are the early childhood disorders and disabilities you will address?
- Physical disabilities
- Emotional and behavioral disorders
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Learning disabilities (e.g., dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia)
- Sensory impairments
- Developmental delays
Keep in mind that many special education students experience more than one disability. Many early intervention specialist jobs highlight the importance of adaptability for this reason.
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- Quick Guide to Careers and Specializations in Early Childhood Education
- Early Childhood Education Career Outlook
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Key Responsibilities of Special Education Professionals
Of course, early childhood special education careers have different job descriptions. But as a special education professional, your key responsibilities are as follows.
- Perform extensive assessments of every student’s history, signs and symptoms, and challenges.
- Make an accurate diagnosis of their developmental delay, learning disability, or behavioral disorder.
- Work with other professionals, such as developmental pediatricians, in making a diagnosis.
- Develop and implement their IEP, including their goals and strategies.
- Work with families, caregivers, and therapists for a coordinated approach.
- Provide every student with personalized and direct instruction and support.
You must have effective communication and collaboration skills to do the job.
Career Paths in Special Education for Early Childhood
You can choose from these early childhood special education careers.
- Special education teacher. You will provide direct instruction to students and their families.
- Early intervention specialist. Your focus is on providing children and their families with early intervention services.
- Speech-language pathologist in early childhood. You will specialize in the treatment and management of communication disorders.
- Occupational therapy in early childhood education specialist. Your job involves aiding children in developing daily living tasks.
- Behavioral therapist. You will provide behavioral therapy for young children.
Whatever your choice, you will find that the rewards outweigh the challenges.
Educational Requirements and Certifications
Be aware of the specific special education certification requirements of your job. Here’s an overview of the degree, certification, and continuing education for each job.
- Special education teacher
- Degree – Bachelor’s degree in special education
- Certification – Teaching license with an endorsement in special education
- Early Intervention Specialist
- Degree – Bachelor’s or master’s degree in special education
- Certification – State-issued specialist certification
- Speech-language pathologist
- Degree – Master’s degree in speech-language pathology
- Certification – State-issued license and ASHA certification
- Occupational therapist
- Degree – Master’s degree in occupational therapy
- Certification – State-issued license and NBCOT certification
- Behavioral therapist
- Degree – Bachelor’s or master’s degree in applied behavioral analysis or psychology, among other areas of study
- Certification – State-issued license and BCBA certification
In all these jobs, you must undergo continuing education to maintain your license. Take professional development courses. Attend conferences, workshops, and seminars.
Job Outlook and Salary Expectations
There’s an excellent job outlook for special education professionals. This is because many states have special education staffing shortages. The increase in the number of special education students is its primary reason.
But, the demand for special education professionals varies between states. You will likely find the highest number of job opportunities in these nine states:
- Florida
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Nebraska
- Texas
- Wisconsin
These states reported a consistent shortage of special education teachers for 20 years.
But look beyond these states, too. States with high special education student populations are a goldmine, too. New York, Pennsylvania, and Idaho top the list.
As for the salary for early childhood special educators, it varies depending on location and experience. The salary ranges between $47,520 and $106,290 per year. With a median salary of $65,910 per year, you can make a good living.
Average annual salary ranges for other special education professionals are:
- Early intervention specialists: $54,531 – $68,312
- Speech-language pathologists: $57,910 – $129,930
- Occupational therapists: $65,210 – $129,620
- Behavioral therapists: $88,386 – $105,700
Your employment prospects will depend on your work experience and industry, too. If you want to earn the highest income, become a speech-language pathologist.
But remember that income isn’t the only factor in your choice. You must also consider your personal interests and career goals.
The Impact of Special Education on Early Childhood Development
We cannot overemphasize the impact of early intervention on child development, including:
- Improved developmental skills
- Enhanced social and emotional development
- Increased readiness for school, particularly in reading, writing, and math skills
- Better academic performance
- Improved family relationships and dynamics
- Decreased need for interventions, including therapy in the future
- Possibility for significant cost savings from less need for paid interventions
- Increased sense of independence and quality of life among students
Indeed, you have the opportunity to make a positive difference in your students’ lives.
Conclusion
If you pursue one of the special education in early childhood careers, you’re in the right direction. Your career will be filled with excellent opportunities for positive change in children and their families. So, go for it.
