Childhood Education and Childhood Special Education (Grades 1-6)

Many candidates who choose to enter teaching at the graduate level come from a variety of fields not related to education. Individuals might have a bachelor’s degree in the arts, sciences, or humanities and choose to enter teaching at the graduate level. If you are one of these individuals, then possibly the dual degree in special education and childhood education is right for you. At the completion of the program of study, candidates are eligible for certification in both special and general education in grades 1-6. It is a blended program where candidates are expected to integrate information from both special and general education.

The New York State Department of Education has very rigorous liberal education and content coursework requirements for those who wish to teach. Upon application to the college, an applicant’s file is reviewed for “undergraduate deficiencies”. These are courses which are deemed necessary in order to teach children in a variety of content areas. Candidates found deficient in any academic area should work with their advisors to complete academic coursework that meets those deficiencies while also beginning the graduate program.

At the conclusion of this graduate program, candidates complete two student teaching placements, one at the grade 1-3 level and another at the grade 4-6 level. One placement is in special education and the other in general education. During this time, candidates take over the role of the teacher. Also during the final semester, candidates present their professional portfolio to the faculty and members of the professional community. The portfolio is a compilation of the work completed during the graduate program. The portfolio process is an exciting time when candidates are given the opportunity to reflect on all they have learned while presenting those accomplishments to other professionals.

Program Requirements ( 57 credit minimum)

• 6-9 Credits Educational Research
• 24 Credits Core Coursework (blend of courses from different disciplines)
• 9 Credits Advanced Pedagogy in Special Education
• 9 Credits Literacy Coursework
• 8 Credits Student Teaching and Seminar (full semester, fall or spring only)
• 1 Credit Integrated Portfolio in Special and General Education
• 0 Credit Elementary Education Comprehensive Exam
• 0 Credits Non-Credit Requirements (certification workshops)