Childhood Special Education (Grades 1-6), Adv. Cert.

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

The advanced certificate in childhood special education (grades 1-6) is an 18 s.h. program designed for individuals who hold initial/professional New York state certification as childhood education classroom teachers, and who seek New York state certification in students with disabilities grades 1-6.

The mission of Hofstra University’s special education programs is to prepare professionals in the education of exceptional children and youth. These individuals will be scholarly in their academic pursuits and dedicated to reflective, participatory, and collaborative processes within a variety of settings and service delivery models. The advanced certificate program in childhood special education provides in-service teachers with the skills and competencies necessary for effective instruction of students across the full range of disabilities. The assessment techniques and strategies used in the identification of exceptional learners, research-based methodologies and instruction, including collaborative consultation models and universal design for learning are major foci of the program.

Special education programs build upon general education and all students must have this prerequisite preparation. Field experiences are linked to each of the courses within the advanced certificate program. A universal theme woven into the fabric of all programs in special education is an appreciation of diversity and the understanding that the goal of education is to teach every child so that all children can learn and reach their full potential.

Admission Requirements

Applicants for admission to the advanced certificate program in childhood special education grades 1-6 in the Department of Specialized Programs in Education must possess New York state classroom teaching certification at the childhood developmental level.

Admission is based on a comprehensive review of multiple criteria, including the following:

A completed application form to the advanced certificate program.
A minimum grade point average of 3.0.
Proof of Initial/Professional New York state teacher certification in childhood (grades 1-6).
Three letters of recommendation addressing the applicant’s potential to succeed in the teaching of students with special needs.
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 Prerequisite

SPED 201 - The Exceptional Child Semester Hours: 3
(or equivalent course)

Program Requirements - Total Semester Hours: 18

SPED 246 - The Education of Students With Learning Disabilities and Other Associated Conditions Semester Hours: 3
SPED 248 - Education of Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders Semester Hours: 3
SPED 242 - Psychoeducational Assessment in Special Education Semester Hours: 3
SPED 277 - Technology and Assistive Technology in Special Education Semester Hours: 3
SPED 247 - Creating Effective Learning Communities: New Directions in Classroom Management Semester Hours: 3
SPED 219S - Student Teaching in Self-Contained Special Education Settings Semester Hours: 3
or
SPED 237A - Teaching Students With Disabilities Semester Hours: 3

Field Experience Prior to Student Teaching

Field experiences are integrated extensively into course curricula. Placements are arranged by the Office of Field Placement. Participation/observation field experiences which correspond to the childhood certificate holder are required in each of the following courses:

SPED 242 - Psychoeducational Assessment in Special Education Semester Hours: 3
15 hours of individualized assessment with a student with special learning needs
SPED 248 - Education of Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders Semester Hours: 3
20 hours of participant observation at a school and board meeting for children with autism
SPED 277 - Technology and Assistive Technology in Special Education Semester Hours: 3
15 hours of site visitation at a center wherein students with disabilities use assistive technology

Graduation Requirements

Completion of 18 s.h. with no fewer than 15 s.h. in-residence.
A minimum GPA of 3.0 in overall graduate course work.
Completion of all required Educational Law Seminars.
All course work taken in satisfaction of the degree requirements must have been completed 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, 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.

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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