The Preparation of Special Educators in Essential Early Education program was a 36-credit hour preservice program of the University of Vermont to train Early Childhood Special Educators at the Master's Degree or Certificate of Advanced Study levels. The program prepared students to demonstrate the necessary competencies for providing quality educational services to young children (ages birth through 5) with handicaps and their families, and to assume the educational and leadership roles required for establishing, coordinating, advocating for, and evaluating early childhood special education programs in rural settings. This final report describes coursework, practicum experiences, and project accomplishments. The report includes program evaluation forms and a list of essential early education personnel competencies. A practicum manual comprises approximately half the report and describes practicum sites, practicum experiences, student confidentiality, responsibilities of students and supervisors, classroom management, lesson plans, and evaluation and grading procedures. The manual contains an individual planning and progress chart, an individual supervision record, consultative program outlines, evaluation outlines, and a case study outline. (JDD)