Master of Arts (M.a.)
Early Childhood Special Education
Program Highlights & Benefits
Classes meet online or one night a week, same night for the entire program
2 year or less completion time, including holiday breaks
One course completed every 8 weeks
Transfer credits considered
Program Overview
This program is designed for educators who desire to teach early childhood students with disabilities from birth to age eight with the necessary skills and knowledge to become an early childhood special education teacher.
Program Objectives
- Designed for educators with an early childhood certificate/endorsement or the LBS1 (pre-kindergarten to age 21) endorsement
- Build and strengthen a theoretical understanding of the foundations of early childhood special education
- Examine issues relevant to the early intervention, least restrictive environment, appropriate educational settings, language development, and special education law and policy
- Develop and utilize appropriate assessments and teaching strategies for young children with disabilities
- Collaborate with all stakeholders, including parents, community, family members, and other institutions to support young children with disabilities
- Conduct research to answer questions related to early childhood special education practices and successfully meet the needs of all learners
- Must have a valid professional educator license and meet other requirements
Areas of Study
| Course | Title | Hours |
| SPED 6500 | Family and Community Relationships in Early Childhood Special* | 3 |
| SPED 6510 | Language Development in Early Childhood Special Education* Online | 3 |
| SPED 6520 | Special Education Assessment for Early Childhood Educators* Online | 3 |
| SPED 6530 | Special Education Methods for Early Childhood Educators* Online | 3 |
| SPED 6650 | Characteristics of the Young Exceptional Learner Online | 3 |
| ECE 6320 | Child Development and Ethics in Early Childhood Education Online | 3 |
| EDI 6010 | Differentiation and Learning Theory | 3 |
| SPED 6540 | Early Intervention Methods and Transitional Planning | 3 |
| RES 6600 | Research in Education | 3 |
| SPED 6892 | Early Childhood Special Education Practicum | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 30 |
Masters Capstone Experience
A master’s capstone is required for all Master of Arts candidates. This culminating project highlights the candidate’s mastery of content throughout their studies. Capstones traditionally demonstrate overall growth and specific understandings of the professional standards. The capstone serves as a performance-based evaluation and promotes reflective practice. It also demonstrates the professional’s proficiency in integrating technology and the ability to interpret theory into practice.
NOTE: This is only an introduction of the program. You are responsible to review the Graduate Catalog for program details.
Some of the classes required for this degree program apply toward the Illinois endorsements in Special Education. These classes are marked with an asterisk (*) next to a course title in the curriculum listing.
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