Department of Teaching and Learning

Special Education

M.A. Programs in Special Education at the Early Childhood Level (Birth-Grade 2)

Our M.A. programs in early childhood special education focus on the value of early childhood educational experiences in all aspects of the young child’s life. Our students understand that play is the basis of learning in all spheres of development, and relationships with peers and adults are key to children’s learning from their experiences. Accordingly, NYU graduates are prepared to work collaboratively with families, other professionals, and the community organizations that represent the wide cultural variations characteristic of urban settings.

The Dual-Certification Master’s Program in Early Childhood Education and Special Education: Early Childhood (ESEE) (47 points)

This program is open to participants who have a bachelor’s degree but who are not yet certified to teach. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will be eligible for New York State certification in both general and special education at the early childhood level (birth-grade 2). Students may complete this program on an accelerated, full-time basis in a little more than a calendar year, commencing early in the summer, followed by fall and spring semesters, and concluding the following summer.

Program of Study

Satisfactory completion of many Department of Teaching and Learning degrees includes field experiences

Course Number

Title of Course

General Pedagogical Core ( 7 points):
TCHL-GE 2010 Inquiries in Teaching and Learning III (4)

Language and Literacy in the Early Years (3)
Specialized Pedagogical Courses - Early Childhood (12 points):
ECED-GE 2024  Issues in Early Childhood Education (3)
ECED-GE 2037 Curriculum in Early Childhood Education: Theory and Methods in Integrated Curriculum (2)

ECED-GE 2038

Curriculum in Early Childhood: Materials & Practice (3)

MPAIA-GE 2005 Integrated Arts in the Early Childhood Curriculum (1)
ECED-GE 2002 Integrating Seminar in Early Childhood Education I (1)
Integrating Seminar in Early Childhood Education II (2)
Specialized Pedagogical Courses - Special Education (18 points):
SPCED-GE 2126 The Young Special Needs Child: Child, Family, and Community I  (3)
SPCED-GE 2127 The Young Special Needs Child: Child, Family, and Community II (3)
SPCED-GE 2160 Educating Children with Special Needs in Early Childhood Settings (3)
SPCED-GE 2128 Principles and Practices of Early Childhood Special Education (3)
SPCED-GE 2052 Education of Students with Severe and Multiple Disabilities (3)
SPCED-GE 2108 Strategies for Teaching Students with Emotional & Behavioral Disabilities (3)
Observation, Fieldwork, and Student Teaching (7 points):
ECED-GE 2255 Field Placements in Early Childhood (1)
SPCED-GE 2502 Observations in Early Childhood Special Education Settings (1)
ECED-GE 2903
Student Teaching in Early Childhood I (2)
ECED-GE 2904
Student Teaching in Early Childhood Special Education II (3)
Culminating Experience (3 points):
SPCED-GE 2512 Integrating Seminar in Early Childhood Special Education II (3)
Also required for New York State certification is:
TCHL-GE 2999 The Social Responsibilities of Teachers:
Drug and Alcohol Education/ Child Abuse Identification/School Violence Prevention (0)

The M.A. Program in Special Education: Early Childhood (SEEC) (34 points)

This program is open to participants who have a bachelor’s degree and who hold certification or are eligible for certification in early childhood education. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will be eligible for New York State certification in special education at the early childhood level (birth-grade 2).

Degree Requirements

Satisfactory completion of many Department of Teaching and Learning degrees includes field experiences.

Course Number

Title of Course

Specialized Pedagogical Courses - Special Education (15 points):
SPCED-GE 2126 The Young Special Needs Child: Child, Family, and Community I
SPCED-GE 2127 The Young Special Needs Child: Child, Family, and Community II
SPCED-GE 2160 Educating Children with Special Needs in Early Childhood Settings
SPCED-GE 2128 Principles and Practices of Early Childhood Special Education
SPCED-GE 2052 Education of Students with Severe and Multiple Disabilities
SPCED-GE 2511 Integrating Seminar in Early Childhood Special Education I
Observation, Fieldwork, and Student Teaching (7 points):
SPCED-GE 2502 Observations in Early Childhood Special Education Settings
SPCED-GE 2902
Student Teaching in Early Childhood Special Education II
Electives (9 points):
SPCED-GE 2901
Student Teaching in Early Childhood Special Education I
  Others by advisement
Culminating Experience (3 points):
SPCED-GE 2512 Integrating Seminar in Early Childhood Special Education II
Also required for New York State certification is:
TCHL-GE 2999 The Social Responsibilities of Teachers:
Drug and Alcohol Education/ Child Abuse Identification/School Violence Prevention