Advanced Certificate in Teaching Early Childhood Special Education for ECE Classroom Teachers

Degree Type

Advanced Certificate

Study Options

Online

Meeting the needs of all students with special needs — including those who are culturally and linguistically diverse — takes dedicated teachers who know how to understand and implement the latest theories and methodologies in special education. With an advanced certificate in teaching early childhood special education, you can rise to meet that challenge. If you’re a licensed teacher who has already earned your master’s degree in early childhood education (ECE), you can build the skills you need to create truly inclusive classrooms.

In this 15-credit program at the King Graduate School, ECE teachers can master the instructional strategies that will help young children with special needs meet New York State’s Next Generation Learning Standards. The advanced certificate program is also fully aligned with the New York State Education Department’s (NYSED’s) Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education Framework. It ensures our commitment to equity and inclusion — so that you can fulfill that commitment in your classrooms.

Degree Advantages

Why Should You Earn an Advanced Certificate in Early Childhood Special Education?

There’s a real need for skilled, professionally trained special education teachers in New York State. When you earn an advanced certificate in early childhood education, you become someone who can not only address the unique needs of students with disabilities but someone who can show them their unique strengths. You also become someone whose advocacy can help families with special needs children access the full range of services that are available to them.

The Curriculum

Candidates for the early childhood special education certificate will take five (5) classes, each worth three (3) credits:

Foundations and Contemporary Issues of Urban and Special Education
Early Development and Practice: Risk, Resilience and Early Intervention
Observation and Assessment of Children with Exceptionalities
Collaborative Partnerships and Three (3) Inclusive Practices in Special Education
Classroom Management through Three (3) Positive Behavior Supports

Coursework will examine the range of disabilities of young learners, including those who are culturally and linguistically diverse. Advanced certificate candidates will examine how they can best meet the needs of their students through:

Direct instruction in foundational skills
High leverage instructional strategies
The use of accommodations, modifications and assistive technology designed to teach students the content and skills necessary to maximize their success

Candidates will also learn about the examine the nature of various intervention strategies, as well how to assist parents and caregivers in navigating:

Candidates will also complete two (2) additional workshops:

Preparation for the Students with Disabilities Content Specialty Test (CST)
Responding to the Needs of Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders

The advanced certificate program is as flexible as it is comprehensive. Coursework is fully online so you can study in a way that works with your schedule, and you’ll have the opportunity to complete your fieldwork in the schools where you currently teach.

How Long Does It Take to Complete the Advanced Certificate Program?

The advanced certificate in early childhood special education is a two (2)-semester program. Full-time students can complete their studies in less than a year (Part-time study options are also available.).

See the Curriculum

Featured Course

Classroom Management through Positive Behavior Supports

To encourage positive behaviors in young learners, positive interactions with them are key. In this course, advanced certificate candidates will explore classroom management and instructional strategies that can lead to positive learning environments, including Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) models. The course will examine how self-regulation and developmentally appropriate social skills are fundamental in shaping appropriate behavior. Candidates will also learn how to conduct functional behavior assessments (FBAs), as well as how to develop an appropriate support plan to meet Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandates.

See the Course Catalog

Admission Requirements

Candidates applying to Monroe’s advanced special education extension program must:

Have already earned their Professional Teaching Certificate in early childhood or childhood education from the New York State Education Department (NYSED)
Have completed their MAT or MSEd degree

Candidates must also provide:

A completed application for admission
A personal statement (up to 1,000 words) describing their interest in special education and how working in this environment relates to their professional goals
A current professional résumé
A current teaching license
Transcripts from all prior educational institutions attended
Two (2) letters of reference attesting to their character and positive disposition, as well as their ability to advocate for students and their families

Applicants must also participate in an interview with the program head.

Learn more about how to apply to Monroe University.

Tuition and Financial Aid

How Much Does the Advanced Certificate Program Cost?

We’re proud to offer affordable tuition and fees for all of our students — it’s what makes us one of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Value Schools in Regional Universities North. We also encourage candidates to see whether their current school systems can help you to pay for your professional development.

Teaching Opportunities

What Can I Do Once I Earn My Advanced Certificate in ECE Special Education?

With your special education certification, once you pass the CST for teaching Students with Disabilities you’ll be well-prepared to teach students with disabilities from birth through Grade 2 throughout the state. Whether you teach in a public, private, or charter school, you’ll have the skills you need to create a truly inclusive learning environment and advocate for your students.

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Earn Your Advanced Certificate in Early Childhood Special Education — and Meet the Needs of Every Student

We need more well-trained special education teachers in New York State. Your students need them. With an advanced certificate in early childhood special education, you can fill that need.

Discover what you can do at the King Graduate School. Apply today.

Apply Today