MA in Special Education, Early Childhood Special Education

Develop advanced knowledge of best practices for teaching strategies and assessments for infants and toddlers with disabilities with a master’s degree in special education, early childhood.

Master’s in Early Childhood Special Education Overview

The Master of Arts in Special Education, Early Childhood explores the historical, philosophical and legal foundation of early intervention, the range of services available for infants and toddlers with disabilities—and for their families, best practices for assessment, and appropriate intervention strategies. Early childhood special education degree program curriculum aligns with the Council for Exceptional Children’s Advanced Content Standards.

As a student, you will:

  • Advocate for policy and curriculum development by understanding the history of early intervention and best practices in early intervention teach strategies and assessment.
  • Evaluate current best practices for instruction and assessment using evidence-based educational research.
  • Evaluate and analyze student achievement and program effectiveness utilizing nonbiased instruments and knowledge of research-based practices.
  • Participate in and provide opportunities for professional development that support children with special needs, their families, schools and communities.
  • Implement culturally responsive and collaborative consultation to students to enhance the opportunities for those with exceptional learning needs.
       

Next Session

Spring I (Jan 8, 2024)

Estimated Tuition

$709/Credit

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Ways to Learn

Online

WSCUC

University of Massachusetts Global is accredited by the WSCUC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

California Commission on Teaching Credentialing

University of Massachusetts Global's School of Education is accredited by the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing.

Imagine Your Future In Special Education: Early Childhood

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    Leonard testimonial image for Brandman
    Compared to a brick and mortar, the professors are more open and I was able to learn better from them. The online community is what kept me going. I think this is the first time in my life that I can say I am proud of myself. 
    Leonard W.
    MA in Special Education, Behavior Analysis
    *Brandman University is now UMass Global
    Amy J.
    I took the Autism classes [through Extended Education] and found the passion of special education, which I really never thought of as an option. I finished the Autism program and enrolled in the Master of Special Education.  I have learned to reflect on my teaching and determine if I am reaching all students and on how to better reach any struggling students.
    Amy J.
    MA, Special Education
    dawn perez brandman
    Brandman* has taught me a lot about teaching to different levels of students.
    Dawn P.
    MA, Special Education
    *Brandman University is now UMass Global

    Admission Requirements

    Applicants for the master’s degree in special education, must complete the formal application process with all required documents, which include:

    • Completed application
    • 2.75 grade point average (GPA)
    • Hold a current special education teaching credential or take EDUU 511 Collaboration For Inclusive Schooling
    • Official transcripts from all regionally accredited institutions where baccalaureate and/or post-baccalaureate coursework was completed or attempted
    Transcripts

    Only credits from regionally accredited institutions may be accepted in transfer. Failure to report any previous academic work at another college or university may be considered a violation of academic integrity.

    HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE MASTER'S DEGREE IN SPECIAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS? Request more information>

    Master of Arts in Education Program Curriculum

    • Code Course Name Credits
       Prerequisite:    
       EDUU 511  Collaboration For Inclusive Schooling for current special education credential 3
       Core (18 credits)    
      EDUU 600 Research and Evaluation Methods

      3
      EDUU 630 Leadership and Policy in Special Education

      3
      EDUU 631 Program Development and Organization in Special Education

      3
      EDUU 632 Advanced Assessment and Program Evaluation in Special Education

      3
      EDUU 661 Collaboration in Special Education

      3
      EDUU 633 Special Education Capstone

      3
      Emphasis Area Elective Courses

      12-21
      When applying, students must select one emphasis area from the options below.

       
      Total Credits

      33-42

    • Candidates who complete this emphasis area and have an appropriate credential may be eligible to be recommended for the authorization prior to the completion of their degree, if the additional elective of EDUU 670 Field Experience in Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education is taken. See an advisor for more information.

      Code Course Name Credits
      EDUU 665 Historical, Phil, and Legal Foundations of Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education

      3
      EDUU 666 Family Guided Practices in Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education

      3
      EDUU 667 Assessment in Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education

      3
      EDUU 668 Curriculum and Intervention in Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education

      3
      EDUU 669 Consultation and Advanced Strategies in Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education

      3
      Optional elective:

       
      EDUU 670 Field Experience in Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education

      0-3
      Total Credits

      15-18

    Become the Teacher Who Inspired You

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    Meet Our Faculty

    AnneSpillane

    education

    Anne Spillane, Ph.D.

    Associate Dean of Special Education (Credential, Master’s), School Psychology, School Counseling and Master of Arts in Education/Associate Professor

    Specialty

    Special Education

    Education
    All education faculty

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Learn more about early childhood education and strategies that can prepare you for the classroom.

    Early Childhood Education

    What is the purpose of early childhood education?

    Simply put, the purpose of ECE is to provide children with strategies that help them develop the emotional, social and cognitive skills needed to become lifelong learners. Curricula is set up to encourage young students to learn about themselves and the world through play and sensory experiences. Read more.

    What does a high-quality ECE program look like?

    A good early childhood education program is dynamic, challenging, enriching and carefully planned. A typical ECE curriculum might incorporate songs, books, art, games, toys, experiences and nature exploration into the daily lesson plans for a class or group. Explore more important elements.

    Why is early childhood education important?

    During the early childhood education years, the brain makes millions of synapses every second that allow us to move, think, communicate and comprehend our environments. Children in ECE programs are less likely to repeat a grade, more prepared for school and more likely to earn more in the workforce. Explore more benefits.
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