College of Education

Early Childhood Special Education
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By Students, For Students

General

  • When in doubt, ask! Other students have gone through these courses and experiences as well, and the faculty are more than happy to help.

  • Make sure your computer is being backed up to online storage so you don’t lose documents if something happens!

  • Save assignments, PowerPoints, articles, and other class materials. They might be useful after finishing the program.

  • Think about your end goal for the master’s program - if you want to work in early intervention, look into the requirements for getting your EI credential from the Early Intervention Training Program (housed in the department!) and Provider Connections. There are multiple trainings and other requirements that you need to complete.

  • Textbooks, when purchasing, can be pricey! If you prefer to keep your textbooks, try looking them up on websites like Chegg and Abebooks, where you can find cheaper, used books. You also have the option to rent ebooks through RedShelf (via the Illini Bookstore) and other platforms like Pearson+ - or just ask one of your senior peers!

  • Books for the trauma seminar will be provided to you. Outside the SPED office (Rm 288), you can find other free books, as well.

  • Peruse this resource for guidance on being a successful student.

  • If you need course or testing accommodations, contact Disability Resources and Education Services. 

Schedule

  • Some courses are offered during a specific semester only, whereas other courses and practicums can be taken during any semester.
  • Keep in mind the minimum credit hour requirement per semester.  It typically is 12 credit hours, but this can vary based on your funding and whether you are an international student.
  • Some courses fill out really fast, especially those in EPSY or EPOL. If possible, register early.

Work-Life Balance

  • Find time to take care of yourself. If necessary, add “self care activity” to your calendar.
  • Make meaningful connections and network with peers outside of the classroom.
  • Keep your professors in the loop if you have extenuating circumstances that impact your ability to complete assignments on time.

Research & Traineeships

  • Depending on your funding, you may be required to have traineeships every semester.  These traineeships can include helping faculty or doctoral students with research, grading for SPED 117, or other tasks.
  • If you are interested in research, there will be plenty of opportunities for you to get involved, so ask a faculty member or doctoral student!

Practicum

  • Make sure to pay attention to transportation if you don’t have a car. Having to take the bus can add on 20 minutes-1 hour to your commute.
  • Communicate regularly with your cooperating professional and university supervisor. Share any concerns and reach out if you have any questions.

Readings & Assignments

  • Text-to-speech apps like Voice Aloud Reader or Speechify can help you complete your readings while taking the dog for a walk, cleaning your apartment, or on a long car ride.
  • Academic readings (journal articles) may be hard to understand at first, but they will get easier.
  • Skim (go through headings, subheadings, graphics, figures) and scan (reading the abstract, introduction, and conclusion of an article, as well as the first sentence of each paragraph). See this resource for more guidance.
  • Highlight important details/main ideas using a highlighter or sticky notes/index tabs in a textbook, or bookmark pages in an eBook.
  • Writing your own notes or summaries of subtopics as you read may help you understand the main idea.
  • Reading in-depth after skimming and scanning is helpful, but remember you are not reading for memorization but for comprehension.
  • Take notes simultaneously on a shared Google Doc with a peer. Each can take notes during class and oftentimes each person hears different things. Or, one focuses on taking notes on what is on the board and the other writes notes on the extemporaneous talking.  
  • When taking notes, think about how the information will apply to your work. What information do you want to remember in a year?
  • Familiarizing yourself with the latest edition of the APA manual (APA 7th Edition) is very important while formatting your papers/assignments and citations.  See Purdue Owl on general APA formatting.
  • Consider visiting the Writers Workshop--it is a great academic resource on campus!

Three-Year Program Option

  • The final three semesters of the three-year program all entail practicum placements in the Department of Curriculum & Instruction. Planning ahead on self-care and your schedule throughout the program can help during these busy semesters.
  • For the content exam, consider taking it early after your fourth semester so that the information you’ve learned is still fresh in your mind.
  • You can purchase a practice test when you register for the test - this is the most helpful way to review!

Miscellaneous

  • Favorite study spaces include: Caffe Paradiso, O’Leary Learning Center (lower level of Education Building), Illini Union (CLASS - Computer Lab and Study Space, lower level; Pine Lounge; President Lounge; Courtyard Cafe; South Lounge)
  • Aldi is the most inexpensive grocery store in the area. Harvest Market, World Harvest, and Common Ground Food Co-op have the greatest selections of organic and vegetarian/vegan foods. Halal options can be found at World Harvest, Bombay Market, Annapurna, and Am-Ko grocery stores.