ABSTRACT
This chapter presents processes, challenges, and outcomes associated with developing and embedding a field-based early childhood special education (ECSE) program within the broader Teaching, Learning, and Leading With Schools and Communities (TLLSC) continuum. Teacher education faculty worked as a large and diverse group to develop and finalize the continuum of learning experiences that would constitute the 4-year TLLSC undergraduate program. ECSE faculty participated and provided input throughout this process, which is in it an innovation, as most national calls for the reform and redesign of teacher education programs have focused exclusively on K–12 education. The development of transfer agreements with 2-year institutions emerged from a statewide early childhood education initiative spearheaded by the Illinois Board of Higher Education focusing on reducing fragmentation and increasing collaboration, articulation, and alignment of practices among diverse early childhood teacher preparation programs. The ECSE program has been successful in securing both federal and state grant support, primarily aimed at supporting candidates.
