Micro-Credential in Early Childhood Special Education

  • TOTAL COST

    $3,568*
  • NEXT START DATE

    Feb 23, 2026
  • COMPLETION TIME

    6 Months
  • AVG. SALARY PREMIUM

  • SEMESTER CREDITS

    12

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    Let’s Get Started

    Our Enrollment Counselors are here to answer your questions and walk you through the enrollment process.

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    Support Early Childhood Learning Needs

    Build your skillset with the Micro-credential in Early Childhood Special Education program at American College of Education (ACE). Courses equip you with essential skills in creating advocacy support systems, assessing and guiding language development, and intervention – all grounded in focused research.

    This program offers an additional benefit, as you can apply your credits toward ACE’s M.Ed. in Special Education to further your expertise and prepare for career advancement. Plus, once you graduate with the micro-credential, you’ll be eligible to apply the Alumni Continuing Education Grant toward your master’s degree.

    Note for Illinois residents: Courses for the Micro-credential in Early Childhood Special Education are approved by the Illinois State Board of Education and meet the coursework requirements toward an endorsement for Illinois residents. 


    Why ACE?

    Low-Cost, High Quality

    You deserve a great return on your educational investment, and we deliver master’s degrees at a total average cost of $10,000. We also award over $1.2M in scholarships and grants each year.

    Quality You Expect

    We are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Our faculty work in the industries where you work and are committed to your success, contributing to our 85% graduation rate.¹ Our curriculum equips you with practical strategies you can apply right away, as well as skills to help you advance your career.

    Flexibility You Need

    Our virtual campus and convenient start dates provide you the flexibility you need to achieve your goals at a time and place that works with your busy schedule. Our student support services are available 24/7 and tutoring is included at no additional cost.

    1Source: Student Right to Know


    Tuition

    We believe in full transparency with our total cost of attendance. No hidden fees. No surprises along the way.

    Total Cost Micro-Credential in Early Childhood Special Education

    Total Tuition

    12 semester credits x $235 per credit

    $2,820

    Fees

    $50 Application Fee
    $50 Conferral Fee
    $648 Technology and Library Fee
    (12 Semester Credits X $54 per Credit)

    $748

    Total Program Cost

    $3,568*

    Find a plan that fits your budget.


    Program Details

    The Early Childhood Special Education Micro-Credential provides students with content to support early learning needs of populations. Content addresses research, community partnerships, language development and assessment and intervention methods centered on supporting young children with special needs. Courses in this sequence are approved by the Illinois State Board of Education as meeting the coursework requirements for an Early Childhood Special Education Endorsement for Illinois residents.

    Majors

    Focus of Study


    Start Dates

    With flexible start dates, you can begin your program when it’s best for you.

    February 23, 2026 Term

    Feb 20, 2026

    Application Due

    Feb 20, 2026

    Payment Due

    Feb 23, 2026

    Term Start

    Feb 27, 2026

    Unregister/Cancel Deadline

    Mar 29, 2026

    Term End

    April 13, 2026 Term

    May 25, 2026 Term

    July 13, 2026 Term

    August 24, 2026 Term

    October 05, 2026 Term

    November 16, 2026 Term


    Courses

    Here are just some of the courses you’ll take when working towards this program. Visit the College Catalog to see all courses.

    SPED5043

    Building Collaborative Relationships

    3 Semester Credits

    SPED5083

    Early Childhood Assessment and Intervention

    3 Semester Credits

    SPED5073

    Language: The Foundation for Reading

    3 Semester Credits

    EC5423

    Instructional Methods for Early Childhood Special Education

    3 Semester Credits


    Admission Requirements

    ACE General Admission Requirements

    Program Admission Requirements

    International Transcript Requirements

    English as a Second Language Applicants

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