western michigan university's b.s. in early childhood general and special education: birth through kindergarten program integrates courses focused on child development, diverse family and community relationships, early childhood education, special education, and content area knowledge and pedagogy. it prepares educators to teach and work with young learners and their families, to meet the socio-emotional needs of the whole child, and to implement developmentally appropriate practices and intensive interventions in response to both typical and atypical development.