The College of Education and Health Professions has 20 full scholarships available to cover tuition, books and fees for certified practicing Arkansas teachers who want to expand their skills to meet the diverse needs of pre-K students with disabilities by earning an Arkansas endorsement in Early Childhood Pre-K Special Education.

Scholarships for the Online Early Childhood Pre-K Special Education Academy are funded by an Arkansas Department of Education grant. Interested teachers should complete a Division of Elementary and Secondary Education Teacher Academy interest form by Nov. 8. After being selected, candidates must apply to the U of A Graduate School as a non-degree seeking student to complete their application. Candidates will be able to complete all requirements within one year. Online academy courses will begin in January 2023.

"We are excited to offer this opportunity to Arkansas educators to strengthen their existing expertise in early childhood education to include evidence-based and recommended inclusive practices for supporting the needs of young learners with delays or disabilities and their families across Arkansas," said Nicolette Caldwell, academy director.

Arkansas classroom teachers licensed in early childhood pre-K, childhood preschool-4 or elementary education K-6 are eligible to apply for the scholarships, which will include support from faculty with expertise in early childhood special education. Teachers can use the 12 credit hours earned in this program toward the 36 hours required for an M.Ed. in special education degree from the U of A.

For more information, contact Academy Director Nicolette Caldwell, Ph.D., BCBA-D, nsammar@uark.edu, 479-575-2685.