Childhood Special Education: Learning Disabilities for NYS Certified Teachers
Program Overview
This graduate program will prepare you to teach in an array of childhood special education environments including collaborative teaching environments and self-contained classrooms. In this program, you will focus on how to support children in elementary school settings who face challenges with learning basic skills in reading, writing and math. Graduates from the learning disabilities program serve in such roles as inclusion support providers, and as collaborative team teachers with general education teachers in public and private schools, private agencies, hospitals and clinics.
Coursework and Clinical Experiences
Courses are offered in the afternoon and evening. Some courses may be available in an online or hybrid format. Select courses have required hours of classroom experience (fieldwork) in a New York City public school. Students also participate in supervised teaching (student teaching and/or practicum) as the culmination of their course of study. Student teaching and/or practicum requires five full days per week for at least one semester.
Credits
37
Certification
Single Certification in Students with Disabilities (Grades 1 to 6)
Eligibility and Admission Requirements
This program is designed for those with NYS certification in Childhood Education or PreK-6
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of at least 3.0;
or
A master’s degree from an accredited institution with a GPA of at least 3.5 - NYS initial or professional certification in Childhood Education Grades 1-6 or PreK-grade 6. Those holding permanent certification must either show proof that they have satisfied the New York State requirements regarding wellness, child abuse, drug abuse, fire safety, and violence prevention or take HED 71500, a one-credit course covering these topics
- Two letters of recommendation
- A statement of purpose
- An official Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score report, except for applicants who are already certified teachers or school administrators and hold a prior graduate degree. (Waived for Spring 2025 and Fall 2025 applicants)
To Apply
Applications are accepted each Fall and Spring semester.
To start your application, visit the Hunter College Online Application.
When applying to this program under Program of Study, select School of Education – Special Education and Childhood Special Edu (Grade 1-6) with prior NYS Teacher Cert.
Application Deadlines
Fall Start
- March 15
Spring Start
- October 15
- November 15 (Extended Deadline)
Visit How to Apply for information about deadline extensions.
Related Programs
If you hold Initial NYS certification in Students with Disabilities, Grades 1-6, you may be eligible for the Professional Certification (Advanced Preparation) in Childhood Special Education program.
If you hold a master’s degree and certification in Childhood Education, you may be eligible for the Specialized Additional Teaching Certificate Program in Childhood Special Education – Learning Disabilities.
In partnership with NYC Teaching Fellows, we offer an Alternative Certification program in Childhood Special Education.