Montclair State University

Apply Now

Student Toolbox

Academic Programs:<br> 
Master of Education Early Childhood Special Education
Department Home  •  About  •  Academic Programs  •  Faculty & Staff  •  Student Advisement  •  Links  •  Special Projects

Early Childhood, Elementary and Literacy Education

Academic Programs:
Master of Education Early Childhood Special Education


Overview:

This program prepares early childhood special educators to work in primary grades, pre-school or early intervention settings serving children with special needs and their families. Students graduate with a strong foundation in child development, early childhood programs and practices, working with families, collaboration and consultation for inclusion, and adapting instruction for individual needs. Graduates may work in home-based early intervention programs, childcare centers, inclusive primary or preschool classrooms, or programs for children with special needs.

Admission Requirements*

Students wishing to matriculate in this program must have a bachelor's degree and evidence of 2-3 years classroom experience working in the field of early childhood education or equivalent. Students seeking Teacher of Students with Disabilities certification must also possess a standard New Jersey Early Childhood (P-3) instructional certificate.

* Note: Admissions and certification requirements are subject to change. Consult with your department advisor.


Work Program for M.Ed. Early Childhood Special Education:

Basic Courses

9 Semester Hours

Number Name Hours
ECSE 504: Typical and Atypical Development: Birth to Three 3
ECSE 505: Risk and Resilience in Early Development 3
*ECSE 520: Research in Early Childhood Special Education 3
* Fall semester only. ECSE 520 should be taken at least one semester before the semester you plan to graduate.


Core Courses

6 Semester Hours

Number Name Hours
ECSE 519: Language and Early Literacy Development 3
SPED 579: Special Education for Students with Disabilities 3


Specialization Courses

21 Semester Hours

Number Name Hours
ECSE 506: Observation and Assessment of Young Children with Special Needs 3
ECSE 507: Assessing Preschool Children with Disabilities II 3
ECSE 508: Partnerships with Families: Early Childhood Special Education 3
ECSE 509: Programs and Practices for Young Children with Special Needs 3
ECSE 510: Practicum and Seminar: Early Childhood Special Education 3
ECSE 518: Neuromotor Development of the Young Child 3
ECSE 523: Communication, Collaboration, and Consultation in Early Ch Spec Ed 3

Please Note:

ECSE 510: Practicum and Seminar: Students who enroll for ECSE 510 must meet all prerequisites and must secure approval of the advisor.

Final Audit: Deadlines for filing for the final audit with the Registrar's Office are: October 1st for May conferment, March 1st for August conferment, and June 1st for January conferment.

Transfer credit: No more than six semester hours may be transferred into the program.