Early Childhood Development and Learning: Diverse Children and Families (Early Childhood Special Education) for NYS Certified Teachers
Program Overview
This master’s program will prepare you to support infants, toddlers, preschoolers and early elementary children in inclusive, integrated, and self-contained classrooms, as well as homes and communities.
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 fieldwork hours in classrooms, homes, or community settings. Students also participate in supervised teaching (student teaching and/or practicum) as the culmination of their course of study.
Credits
36 credits
Certification
Students with Disabilities (Birth to Grade 2)
Eligibility and Admission Requirements
This program is designed for applicants who hold New York State (NYS) certification in Early Childhood Education, Birth-Grade 2
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.0; or a master’s degree from an accredited institution with a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.5
- New York State initial, professional, or permanent certification (with DASA) in Early Childhood Education, birth through grade 2.
- A statement of purpose (500 to 1,000 words) that addresses the following prompts:
- Describe your understanding of what it means to be an early interventionist/early childhood special educator and your personal vision for the field of early intervention/early childhood special education. How does justice, equity, diversity and inclusion inform your understanding of this?
- Share your reason for pursuing a career in early intervention/early childhood special education and what led you to this career
- Describe your prior experiences with young children and/or children in special education in your responses to the above
- Two letters of recommendation
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 ECDL for NYS certified teachers (leads to Students with Disabl. B-2 Cert).
Application Deadlines
Fall Start
- March 15
- May 15 (Extended Deadline)
Spring Start
- October 15
Visit How to Apply for information about deadline extensions.
Related Programs
If you hold NYS certification in an area other than Early Childhood Education, Birth – Grade 2, and seek certification in Early Childhood Special Education, consider our Early Childhood Development and Learning: Diverse Children and Families (Early Childhood Special Education Dual Certification) program.
If you hold a Master’s Degree and NYS certification in Early Childhood Education, consider our Early Childhood Development and Learning: Diverse Children and Families (Early Childhood Special Education) Advanced Certificate.