M.Ed. Special Education: Early Childhood

This plan is appropriate if you are interested in teaching very young children with disabilities, generally ages three through six.

Candidates in MEd in Special Education:  Early Childhood Special Education program of study are required to demonstrate content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge and skills, and professional knowledge to be eligible to enter student teaching or internship placements. Content, pedagogical, and professional knowledge or skills are demonstrated through candidate performance on key assessments embedded in the ESE 516, ESE 536, ESE 556, ESE 585 or 625; and ESE 596 or 695 classes.

Please note that although certain courses in this plan may apply toward certification, completing this M.Ed. doesn’t automatically lead to certification. Consult with your adviser for information about obtaining certification.

For this plan, you take the following 36-45 units:

• ESE 655 and 656 (6 units)

• ESE 536, 556, and 698 (9 units)

• EPS 610 or ESE 516 (3 units)

• ECI 620 (3 units)

• one of EPS 606, ESE 625, or ESE 585/DIS 519 (3 units)

• BME 538 (3 units)

• 9 units from EPS 701, 702, and 705; ECI 625; DIS 505 and 507; and EDR 610

• 8 units of ESE 596 or 695 in early childhood special education

(Please note that, for this practicum requirement, you may substitute two years of teaching experience in an educational program for children with disabilities, ages zero through five.)

Click here for more information about our Special Education graduate courses and faculty.