Special Needs Option
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In addition to the requirements for the M.Ed. in Early Childhood, students choosing this option will take coursework relating to young children with atypical development. This additional coursework emphasizes an understanding of the role of the family, community, and social policy in early development and intervention. The program is non-categorical in its approach to assessment and educational planning. The total number of credit hours required to complete the M.Ed. in Early Childhood Special Needs is 42. These program requirements are subject to modification in order to reflect changes in New Hampshire state certification requirements for general special education. Students who enroll in this program may seek certification in Early Childhood Special Education (Birth - 8 yr.)
The Preparing Excellent Teachers Project is a Federally funded grant to prepare Early Childhood Special Educators in current evidence-based practices. Tuition assistance is available for qualified students in this program. For more information click here.
Graduates of the Early Childhood Special Needs program will be capable of acting as:
♦ Diagnostic specialists, early childhood special educators
♦ Early intervention program planners, administrators and consultants
♦ Primary-level special education teachers, staff development instructors
♦ Parent support personnel, parent and child advocates
♦ Case managers in multidisciplinary team settings
♦ Early Interventionists
Suggested Course Sequences
Early Childhood Special Needs Option totals 42 credits minimum
Required Coursework
Core Requirements (32 credits):
EDUC 856 Supporting Families of Individuals with Exceptionalities
EDUC 860 Introduction to Young Children with Special Needs
EDUC 941 Diversity and Child Development
EDUC 942 Sociocultural Perspectives on Teaching and Learning
EDUC 943 Changing Contexts in Early Education
EDUC 944 Inclusive Curriculum for Young Children
EDUC 947 Curriculum for Young Children with Special Needs: Evaluation
and Program Design
EDUC 948 Leadership and Advocacy for Early Childhood Education
Internship (6 credits):
EDUC 900B Internship& Seminar
EDUC 901B Internship
Required courses are offered once each academic year. Required courses are very rarely offered during summer sessions.
Electives (4 credits):
Students will elect a minimum of four additional credits in consultation with their academic advisor. In special circumstances, students with prior advanced course work may request the required courses be waived and other electives substituted.
Concluding Experiences
Students may elect to take the comprehensive written and oral examination or write a research thesis to fulfill the concluding experience requirement. Guidelines for the comprehensive examination and the research thesis are available from program faculty. Those electing the thesis option may count thesis credit hours to fulfill elective requirements.
Graduate Portfolio
By the end of the graduate program in Early Childhood, students should be able to provide evidence of their professional development in a variety of ways. Regardless of whether students elect the research thesis option or the written comprehensive examination, additional means for demonstrating professional knowledge and competencies will be provided through the presentation of a graduate portfolio.
The purpose of the graduate portfolio is to provide a flexible and highly individualized opportunity for each student to demonstrate her/his evolving understanding and mastery of the discipline of early childhood education as well as the ability to carry out multiple roles as teacher, leader, and advocate.
For a suggested sequence of courses and in-depth information about the concluding experiences, the graduate portfolio, and the internship, see the Program Planning page.