Director of Education: Erin Churchill, 914-654-5330, Chidwick 103
Childhood Special Education (Grades 1-6) 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 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 childhood education and want to teach children with disabilities in public or private school settings. Coursework is aligned with the NYS Learning Standards and is designed to provide students with content on working with children with disabilities across contexts. The sequence will provide students with skills to work with children with mild, moderate, severe, or profound learning disabilities and behavior disorders.
Required Courses for M.S. in Education in Childhood Special Education Leading to Professional Certification — 30 Credits
| LIT 503 | Using Literature in the Classroom | 3 |
| SED 562 | Teaching Reading & Writing to Children w/Learning & Behavioral Disorder | 3 |
| SED 563 | Teaching Math, Science & Technology to Children w/Learning & Behavioral Disorders | 3 |
| EDU 515 | Differentiated Instruction in Learning Environment | 3 |
| EDU 514 | Community as Curriculum: A Multicultural Perspective | 3 |
| SED 560 | Instructional & Curricular Components for Autism Students w/Severe Disabilities | 3 |
| SED 579 | Learning & Behavior Disorders in Children | 3 |
Advanced Required Courses
| SED 793 | Educational Assessment & Applications | 3 |
| SED 812 | Student Behavioral Strategies in the Classroom | 3 |
| SED 894 | Leadership Seminar in Childhood Special Education with Field Practicum & Research w/Special Project | 3 |