The Special Needs Educator Diploma is awarded upon successful completion of an Early Childhood Education certificate or equivalent, plus the required courses in the Special Needs Educator program. The program provides the opportunity for you to work while going to school. If you choose to work as an Early Childhood Educator, you should: be caring and have the desire to make a difference in the lives of children, use Positive Guiding Strategies, and have strong communication skills with children and parents of various cultural backgrounds.