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MA, Early Childhood Special Education, Birth-Grade 2, Professional Certification

The 30-credit MA in Early Childhood Special Education, Birth–Grade 2 (Professional Certification) equips certified teachers to build on their pedagogical training to become effective teachers for young children in special education settings. You’ll be immersed in thoughtful discussions and interactions around the critical contemporary issues in early childhood special education,  developing the essential pedagogical skills to create collaborative, responsive, and inclusive learning environments that support children's diverse needs and abilities.  

This program is open to participants who have a bachelor’s degree and who hold certification or are eligible for certification in childhood education.

Core Course Sequence

You’ll take foundational coursework in methods and instruction for children with disabilities and issues in special education policy. In addition to specialized pedagogical training in early childhood education and for children with disabilities, you’ll complete classroom observation and student teaching, culminating in a collaborative seminar where you can share, analyze, and extend your professional experiences.

Program Requirements

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

Course Title Credits
Requirements
General Pedagogical Courses
SPCED-GE 2052Methods of Instruction for Children with Low Incidence Disabilities3
SPCED-GE 2124Historical and Contemporary Issues in Special Educ Policy, Research and Practice3
Specialized Pedagogical Courses
SPCED-GE 2108Learning Environments, Behavior, and Students with Disabilities3
SPCED-GE 2127Disability, Diversity, and Equity in Family, School, and Community3
SPCED-GE 2160Methods of Instruction for Children with High Incidence Disabilities3
SPCED-GE 2133Assess & Inst Design for Ss W/Mild Mod Dis II3
Observation, Fieldwork, and Student Teaching
SPCED-GE 2902Student Teaching in Early Childhood Special Education Settings3
TCHL-GE 2999Drug, Alcohol Ed/Child Abuse ID/School Violence/DASA:0
Electives9
Total Credits30

Sample Plan of Study

Plan of Study Grid
1st Semester/TermCredits
SPCED-GE 2124 Historical and Contemporary Issues in Special Educ Policy, Research and Practice 3
SPCED-GE 2052 Methods of Instruction for Children with Low Incidence Disabilities 3
SPCED-GE 2160 Methods of Instruction for Children with High Incidence Disabilities 3
TCHL-GE 2999 Drug, Alcohol Ed/Child Abuse ID/School Violence/DASA: 0
SPCED-GE 2127 Disability, Diversity, and Equity in Family, School, and Community 3
Elective Course 3
 Credits15
2nd Semester/Term
SPCED-GE 2133 Assess & Inst Design for Ss W/Mild Mod Dis II 3
SPCED-GE 2108 Learning Environments, Behavior, and Students with Disabilities 3
SPCED-GE 2902 Student Teaching in Early Childhood Special Education Settings 3
Elective Course 3
Elective Course 3
 Credits15
 Total Credits30

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