Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Graduate Studies Bulletin 
    
2020-2021 Graduate Studies Bulletin [ARCHIVED BULLETIN]

Special Education Early Childhood Intervention (Birth-Grade 2), MSEd


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 Assistant Professor Hernandez, Graduate Program Director, 516-463-5968

The MSEd in Special Education Early Childhood Intervention (Birth-Grade 2) is a 45 s.h. program that integrates the requirements of two already existing degree programs: the MSEd in early childhood special education  and the advanced certificate in applied behavior analysis .

This program consists of core courses in early childhood special education, including a student teaching experience as well as research-based courses in applied behavior analysis. This program provides students with the knowledge, skills and values needed to work effectively as early interventionists with children, birth through age 5, and their families, and to serve as early childhood special educators with children through the second grade level across the full range of disabilities (mild, moderate, severe and multiple). This program builds upon general education and all students must have prerequisite preparation in early childhood and/or childhood education.

Students in this program will specialize in applied behavior analysis and its use with young children with disabilities. Areas of focus include: data collection and analysis, behavioral intervention in the classroom, and ways to promote generalization. Ethical concerns with regard to behavior change will be addressed throughout the program.

A universal theme woven into the fabric of the program is a belief in inclusive education for young children with disabilities. Specific principles are addressed throughout the course of study, including the principles of universal design and technology as a means of ensuring access and participation and progress for all learners. In addition, the development of culturally responsive teaching, the ability to build collaborative partnerships with parents, and related service providers and develop skills necessary to provide assessment and diagnosis are all key components of this program. Finally, the ability to provide positive behavioral supports for young children with behavioral disabilities is another essential focus.

This program reflects a field-integrated approach which consists of a minimum of 100 clock hours of field work prior to student teaching with site-based courses as a key component of the program.

This program leads to New York state initial/professional certification in students with disabilities at the early childhood level. This program also fulfills the education requirement for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).

Admission Requirements


Applications for admission to this Master of Science in Education program in the Department of Specialized Programs in Education  are made to the Office of Graduate Admission. Admissions decisions are based on a comprehensive review of multiple criteria.  The department understands that any single criterion may not reliably predict a student’s potential for success in the program. Students may consider applying even if they fail to meet one of the GPA or testing criteria but feel that other aspects of their experience might compensate.

  1. Initial or professional New York state teacher certification in early childhood or childhood education.
  2. A completed application form.
  3. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
  4. *Submission of scores on a nationally-normed graduate admission test (GRE or Praxis). Recent SAT/ACT exams may be accepted if verifiable by the test provider.
  5. Three (3) letters of recommendation addressing the applicant’s potential to succeed in the teaching of students with disabilities.
  6. A written personal statement of professional intent.
  7. An interview with a faculty member in early childhood special education.

*Certified teachers who hold a master’s degree from an accredited college or university are exempt from standardized testing.

Program Requirements - Total Semester Hours: 45


Matriculated students must complete a minimum of 33 s.h. in-residence at Hofstra. A maximum of 12 s.h. of graduate course work may be completed prior to matriculation in the program. Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in order to remain in the program. Courses in which students receive grades below C- confer no credit toward the graduate degree but are included in determining grade point average.

Field Experience Prior to Student Teaching


Field experiences are integrated extensively into course curricula. A minimum of 100 clock hours of observation is required prior to student teaching. At least one placement will be spent in a site recognized by the New York State Education Department as high-needs. Placements are arranged by the Office of Field Placement and the program director.

Participation/observation field experiences which correspond to the developmental level of the certificate holder are required in each of the following courses:

Student Teaching


Students will qualify for admission to Student Teaching, SPED 237A , when they have satisfied the following requirements:

  • Successful completion of 36 s.h. of core course work
  • A GPA of 3.0 or higher in overall graduate course work.
  • All course work taken within a five-year period.

Admission by permission of the graduate program director and application to the Office of Field Placement and the Department of Specialized Programs in Education . Application forms are available in 118 Hagedorn Hall. Students registered for SPED 237A  will complete a student teaching placement at two early childhood developmental levels.

Graduation Requirements


  1. Completion of a minimum 45 semester hours in prescribed courses with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 in all special education core courses.
  2. A minimum of 33 s.h. in-residence.
  3. Passing grade on the comprehensive examination.
  4. Completion of all required Educational Law Seminars.
  5. All course work taken within a five-year period.

Teacher Certification Requirements


Upon successful completion of degree requirements, students will be eligible to apply for the University’s recommendation for New York state certification. Contact the Office of Educational Support Services, 233 Hagedorn Hall, for information regarding any required Educational Law seminars* and other certification requirements. Forms for applying for certification can be found at the Office of Educational Support Services Web page under the certification tab.

*Please note, as of December 31, 2013, the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education now require a new six-hour seminar for Training in Harassment, Bullying and Discrimination Prevention and Intervention, required under the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA): http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/news/newsitem05162013.html.

To be eligible for the certification, students are required to have passing scores on the appropriate New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE). Please contact the Office of Educational Support Services for specific certification requirements.

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