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Master of Science in Education: 36 credits
Master of Education: 36 credits
This 36-credit program in Early Childhood Special Education is designed for individuals who currently hold provisional or initial New York State certification in general education at the Early Childhood level. The program provides teachers and prospective teachers with the depth of preparation they need to work with children who have disabilities in general, inclusive, and special education settings. If this is your second master's degree, you will earn the advanced Master of Education (Ed. M.) degree.
You will learn to differentiate learning experiences for a wide range of young learners, including children with specific disabilities. Through studying the ongoing cycle of observation, assessment and instructional planning, you will be able to help young children realize their full functional and educational potential.
You will examine the relationships among culture, language and learning in families, communities, and educational program settings. Practical experiences will help you learn how to collaborate with families, other teachers and professionals in your work. You will discover ways to recognize and nurture individual learning styles and build home/school connections.
Certification in Education
Individuals with provisional New York State certification in nursery through 6th grade, or with initial certification in Early Childhood General Education, will be qualified for New York State initial certification in Early Childhood Special Education, birth through grade 2, leading to professional certification after completing all New York State requirements.
Supervised Fieldwork / Student Teaching / Advisement
During one term, while you take courses, you will gain teaching experience and intensive advisory support through supervised fieldwork/advisement. If you are not currently working in an early childhood setting, you will do your student teaching with placements at two age levels within the early childhood range. Working teachers and assistants in early childhood settings may do their Supervised Fieldwork/Student Teaching in their workplace. Those who are not in inclusive or special education settings will need to have an additional three-credit practicum/student teaching experience during the summer.
Integrative Master's Project
Before graduating, you will complete an independent study (master's thesis), mentored directed essay, seminar-based master's project, or portfolio. Your choice will depend on your own goals and learning style. This project allows you to pursue an area of particular interest to you, or to weave together the threads and understandings of your Bank Street graduate experience.
Admissions Requirements
Applicants to the Early Childhood Special Education program must have a valid New York State provisional certification in general education or initial certification in general education at the Early Childhood level.
Further information
More Early Childhood Programs (birth through grade 2):