The Minnesota Early Childhood Special Education Higher Education Consortium exists to support high quality personnel preparation within universities and within the field of early intervention and early childhood special education, resulting in improved outcomes for young children with disabilities and their families.

The Consortium is comprised of representatives from the Minnesota Department of Education and Minnesota University faculty members engaged in research and training related to young children with disabilities and their families.

The Consortium provides a forum for addressing critical issues in preservice and in-service training and research having to do with young children with disabilities and their families.

The Consortium convenes to:

• Collaborate regarding pre-service teacher training including licensure, workforce issues, articulation, teacher retention, content of courses and programs of study, teaching strategies and teaching resources.
•  Sponsor in-service activities, such as the Early Intervention Summer Institute, in order to connect early childhood professionals with resources in Minnesota as well as bring new information and expertise into the state.
• Advocate on behalf of quality personnel in line with recommended practices as articulated by the Division of Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children as well as professional teaching standards.
• Facilitate collaboration among faculty, researchers and Minnesota Department of Education representatives through ongoing communication and active engagement between members.

Adopted on November 4, 2004, Eden Prairie, Minnesota

Higher Education faculty representing 6 Universities with ECSE training programs and the Minnesota Department of Education.

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