Post Master's Advanced Certificate in Early Childhood Special Education
Post Master’s Advanced Certificate in Early Childhood Special Education (Birth—2nd Grade)
This 12-credit program is designed for candidates with a master’s degree and existing certification in either early childhood education or childhood education. The program prepares early childhood and/or childhood general education teachers to work with young children with special needs (birth—2nd grade). Candidates can complete this advanced certificate program in two semesters. Candidates must complete a 3-credit Foundations in Special Education course prior to acceptance. This program can be completed fully online, with the exception of practicum field hours.
Contact Information
Program Coordinator:
Dr. Sun A. Kim
Powdermaker Hall, Room 032L
Phone: 718-997-5240
Fax: 718-997-5248
Sun.Kim@qc.cuny.edu
Administrative Staff:
Jaclyn Arroyo
Powdermaker Hall, Room 033
718-997-5240
jaclyn.arroyo@qc.cuny.edu
Course Sequence
| Semester | Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
| Fall | ECSPE 701 | Introduction of Assessment in Early Childhood Special Education | 3 |
| ECPSE 722 | Applied Behavior Analysis and Positive Behavioral Supports | 3 | |
| Spring | ECPSE 730 | Curriculum and Instruction in Early Childhood Special Education | 3 |
| ECPSE 726 | Practicum in Supporting Students with Significant Disabilities | 3 | |
| TOTAL CREDITS | 12 |
Course Sequence
| Semester | Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
| Spring | ECPSE 701 | Introduction to Assessment in Early Childhood Special Education | 3 |
| ECPSE 722 | Applied Behavior Analysis and Positive Behavioral Supports | 3 | |
| Fall | ECPSE 730 | Curriculum and Instruction in Early Childhood Special Education | 3 |
| ECPSE 726 | Practicum in Supporting Students with Significant Disabilities | 3 | |
| TOTAL CREDITS | 12 |
Program Completion
To graduate, all GPSE candidates are required to meet the following requirements:
- Maintain a 3.0 GPA and complete all coursework.
- Perform successfully on all program-level and divisional-level assessments.
Candidates are responsible for ensuring that all requirements have been met for graduation. Incompletes must be resolved and ample time must be allowed for processing the change of grade forms. Candidates must apply for graduation on their CUNYFirst account. It is the candidate’s responsibility to follow up to ensure that all paperwork is processed in time for graduation.
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the Post Master’s, Advanced Certification Programs in Special Education must:
- Have completed a master’s degree in education.
- Have completed a 3-credit course in Foundations of Special Education or equivalent.
- Have an overall Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or better in their master’s program.
- Have New York State Teacher Certification at the Initial (Provisional) and/or Professional (Permanent) level in general education (either in early childhood education, childhood education, or in a secondary content area).
- Write a well-organized, well-conceptualized essay that clearly communicates their reasons for pursuing a degree in special education. Indicate the nature of their current and past experiences with people with disabilities.
- Provide three letters of recommendation from professional sources. The letters must demonstrate the applicant’s superior abilities, qualities, and potential as a graduate candidate in special education.
- Candidates with master’s degrees and existing certification in early childhood education are eligible for either the early childhood special education advanced certificate program or the childhood special education advanced certificate program.