Director of Education: Erin Churchill, 914-654-5330, Chidwick 103
Early Childhood Special Education (Birth-Grade 2) Leading
to
Professional Certification – 30 Credits
Philosophy Statement
We believe that every child is entitled to an educational program that enables him/ her to achieve at the highest possible level. We believe that students with disabilities who are assigned to special education should attend a program designed to meet their individual needs, and that special education be provided in the least restrictive environment, including general education classrooms. Special education involves specially designed instruction that may require unique materials, teaching methods, equipment or facilities designed for the needs of students. We welcome increasing educational opportunities for students with disabilities to be educated with their non-disabled peers, while recognizing that individual instruction must be implemented regardless of student placement. We believe that teachers of students with disabilities need to be well prepared with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide appropriate curriculum and specialized instruction in diverse settings, as well as to collaborate with general educators in providing a high quality educational program for all students.
Master of Science Degree in Education in Early Childhood Special Education Leading to Professional Certification — 30 Credits
The program is designed for students who have a degree and an initial New York State certification in early childhood and want to teach young children with disabilities in public or private school settings. Coursework is aligned with NYS Learning Standards and is designed to provide students with content on working with infants, toddlers, and yound children with disabilities across contexts. The sequence will provide our students with skills to work with young children with mild, moderate, severe, or profound disabilities. The reading courses, in particular, will emphasize young children with mild language or learning disabilities.
Required Courses for M.S. in Education in Early Childhood Special Education Leading to Professional Certification — 30 Credits
| EDU 550 | Child Development | 3 |
| LIT 601 | Early Language & Literary Instruction | 3 |
| SED 543 | Testing & Assessment | 3 |
| SED 560 | Instructional & Curricular Components for Students w/Autism & Severe Disabilities | 3 |
| SED 565 | Models, Policies & Practices in Early Childhood Special Education | 3 |
| SED 566 | Planning & Implementation of Effective Programs & Interventions for Young Children w/Disabilities for Young Diverse Learners | 3 |
Advanced Required Courses
| SED 563 | Teaching Math, Science & Technology to Children w/Learning & Behavioral Disorders | 3 |
| SED 812 | Student Behavioral Strategies in the Classroom | 3 |
| SED 895 | Leadership Seminar in Early Childhood Special Education: Field Practicum & Research with Special Project | 3 |