The Best of Both Worlds: Combining ECE and ECSE Philosophies and Best Practices Through a Coteaching Model

Abstract

As more children with disabilities are served in early childhood settings, preservice training programs have a responsibility to provide future early childhood educators with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to actively participate as a team member in meeting the needs of young children with disabilities. This article provides a description of the rationale and process that a professor in early childhood special education (ECSE) and an instructor in early childhood education (ECE) used as they designed and implemented a coteaching model in the methods and materials prekindergarten course. Specific activities that were incorporated into the class to promote a better understanding of special education and how to meet the needs of all children are shared. Last, each instructor shares what he or she learned from the experience.