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
Concordia University Chicago’s Master of Arts in Early Childhood Special Education is designed for educators with an early childhood certificate/endorsement or the LBS1 (pre-kindergarten to age 21) endorsement. This program is for educators who desire to teach early childhood students with disabilities from birth to below kindergarten. It is also designed to provide qualified candidates 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
- Early Childhood Certificate/Endorsement or LBS 1 Endorsement
- Must have a valid professional educator license
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 6XXX | 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 6XXX | Early Intervention Methods and Transitional Planning | 3 |
| RES 6650 | Action Research | 3 |
| SPED 6XXX | 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 his or her studies. Capstones are traditionally a summary of work demonstrating 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 his or her 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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