Early Childhood Development and Learning: Diverse Children and Families (Early Childhood Special Education) Advanced Certificate
Program Overview
This post-master’s program will prepare you to support infants, toddlers, preschoolers and early elementary children and their families. You will be prepared to practice in inclusive, integrated, and self-contained classrooms, as well as homes and communities. This program is designed for teachers who hold New York State certification and a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Birth to Grade 2.
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
20
Certification
Students with Disabilities, Birth to Grade 2
Eligibility and Admissions Requirements
- A master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from an accredited institution with a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.5
- New York State initial, professional or permanent teacher certification in Early Childhood Education, Birth to Grade 2
- A statement of purpose 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 semester.
We’re launching a new graduate admission application! The application will be available in late summer 2025. While you wait for the application to launch, view the How to Apply page for full application requirements. Join our School of Education email list for updates.
Application Deadlines
Fall Start
- March 15
Visit How to Apply for information about deadline extensions.
Related Programs
If you do not have a master’s degree or hold New York State teacher certification in Early Childhood Education Birth to Grade 2, consider applying for the master’s degree program in Early Childhood Development and Learning: Diverse Children and Families (Early Childhood Special Education)
Contact an Admissions Advisor
Program Leader
Jamie Bleiweiss