Early Childhood Special Education (B-2nd Grade), Adv. Cert.

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Associate Professor McDonald, Graduate Program Director, 516-463-7149

This 18-semester program, which includes a field experience, is designed for teachers holding New York state certification at the early childhood developmental level (B-2nd grade) or New York state special education certification at the childhood developmental level (Grades 1-6). This graduate advanced certificate leads to the New York state professional certification in students with disabilities, birth-grade 2. The program provides flexible course delivery methods to meet the diverse needs of students. Students can complete degree requirements on-site or online, or a combination of on-site and online courses. A distance learning (DL) course is equivalent to its on-site version.

On average, students complete this program in one and one-half academic years.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the advanced certificate program in early childhood special education (birth-2nd grade) is based on a comprehensive review of multiple criteria, including the following:

A master’s degree.
New York state classroom teaching certification at the early childhood developmental level (birth-grade 2), childhood (grades 1-6), or in students with disabilities (grades 1-6).
A completed application form to the advanced certificate program.
A minimum grade point average of 3.0.
Two letters of recommendation addressing the applicant’s potential to succeed in the teaching of young students with disabilities.
A written personal statement of professional intent.
Interview with a faculty member in special education.

The department understands that any single criterion may not reliably predict a candidate’s potential for success in a graduate program. Consequently, candidates are welcome to apply if they do not meet one of the criteria but feel that other aspects of their experience may compensate.

Program Requirements - Semester Hours: 18

SPED 207 - Introduction to Young Children With Disabilities Semester Hours: 3
SPED 208 - Educational Intervention for Young Children With Disabilities Semester Hours: 3
SPED 209 - Early Intervention: Infant Stimulation Semester Hours: 3
SPED 216 - Assessment and Diagnosis in Early Childhood Special Education Semester Hours: 3
SPED 226 - Early Intervention and Related Services in Early Childhood Special Education Semester Hours: 3
SPED 295 - Practicum in Special Education Semester Hours: 3

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, 129 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.

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