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

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

The MSEd in Special Education Early Childhood Intervention (Birth-Grade 2) is a 45-semester hour 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 support 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 fieldwork 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 criteria listed below but feel that other aspects of their experience might compensate.

Initial or professional New York state teacher certification in early childhood or childhood education.
A completed application form.
A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Three (3) letters of recommendation addressing the applicant’s potential to succeed in the teaching of students with disabilities.
A written personal statement of professional intent.
An interview with a faculty member in early childhood special education.

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 coursework may be completed prior to matriculation in the program. The graduate director will review the academic standing of all graduate students at the end of each semester. A student must maintain a 3.0 average to be considered in good standing. Students who do not maintain a 3.0 average will be placed on academic probation. Students who earn more than one C-, C, or C+ per semester, accumulate more than two C-, C, or C+ grades in their graduate coursework, or receive a D or an F in any course will be dismissed from the program. In addition to the required GPA, students must demonstrate adequate competence and professionalism throughout all coursework and fieldwork. If the director or program faculty determines that a student has failed to demonstrate this standard, they will be dismissed from the program. Students may petition for readmission by following the School of Education Appeal policy.

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:

SPED 207 - Introduction to Young Children With Disabilities Semester Hours: 3
15 clock hours of site visitation including a high needs district.
SPED 208 - Educational Intervention for Young Children With Disabilities Semester Hours: 3
A minimum of 15 clock hours of site-based course work and participant observation in PreK-K setting
SPED 209 - Early Intervention: Infant Stimulation Semester Hours: 3
A minimum of 10 clock hours of site-based course work and participant observation in PreK-K setting
SPED 226 - Early Intervention and Related Services in Early Childhood Special Education Semester Hours: 3
A minimum of 10 clock hours to observe PT/OT/speech pathology intervention for young children
SPED 248 - Education of Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders Semester Hours: 3
20 clock hours in a setting for students with autism spectrum disorders
SPED 259 - Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis for Special Educators Semester Hours: 3
20 clock hours in a setting utilizing applied behavior analysis
SPED 277 - Technology and Assistive Technology in Special Education Semester Hours: 3
A minimum of 15 clock hours in a local facility where assistive technology is prominently used by students with disabilities

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

Completion of a minimum 45 semester hours in prescribed courses with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 in all special education core courses.
A minimum of 33 s.h. in-residence.
Passing grade on the comprehensive examination.
Completion of all required Educational Law Seminars.
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 School of Education Dean’s Office for information regarding any required Educational Law seminars* and other certification requirements.

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 School of Education Dean’s Office for specific certification requirements.

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