Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education

Our History

This major is a relatively new program developed specifically for candidates who desire to meet the needs of young children from the ages of birth to grade 2. It leads to certification in both special education and general education in New York State for this age range of learner. This major is informally known around campus as “ Early SEED” which refers to Special and Elementary Education at the early level of education. Perhaps it also refers to the notion that good teachers plant the “seeds” of learning in today’s classroom. Either way, this program of study equally integrates the field of special education and general education in order to prepare pre-service teachers (often called “candidates”) with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that are needed to help all children learn, especially those with unique learning needs.  

The Early SEED Major

With each education course, a pre-service candidate can usually expect to spend at least 10 hours in the schools completing embedded field hour assignments. As the program progresses, candidates spend over 150 hours conducting school-based field hours which are highly integrated and supported by program faculty.

One of the strongest components of this program is the focus on the stages of early learning and how to support children and families from diverse backgrounds. Candidates in this program also receive a strong background in working with children who have behavioral disorders and those who may have some of the most significant medical, intellectual, and social challenges at the infant and toddler level.

By the conclusion of the Early SEED major, candidates complete student teaching at the pre-school-kindergarten and first-second grade level in both general education and special education. During this time, candidates take over the role of the teacher in two very different settings. As graduation approaches, candidates present their electronic professional portfolio to the faculty and community members. The portfolio is a compilation of the work completed during the years spent at The College. 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.

Unique Program Features

• Practical experience in real classrooms from pre-school - grade 3
• Course embedded field hours with most education courses
• Preparation across a wide range of learners with and without disabilities
• Specific coursework and experience with learners with intellectual disabilities
• Collaboration with PK-12 school partners
• Faculty with practical teaching experience who are also actively involved in schools
• Coursework across disciplines
• Opportunities to get involved in campus-based social and academic experiences with children and adolescents with disabilities