Early Childhood Special Education, Birth to 2nd Grade, BA
Developmental and Special Education Department
Program Overview
Ready to shape foundational years?
Our B.A. in Early Childhood Special Education prepares you to work with the youngest learners, from infants to children up to the second grade. You’ll gain the dual certification needed to teach in both general and specialized settings, ensuring you can meet the diverse needs of every child at the crucial start of their educational journey.
Major
Description
This B.A. in Early Childhood Special Education degree grants initial NY State dual certification in General Education and Special Education for Birth to Grade 2. This dual certification makes graduates highly versatile. Career paths are rooted in early childhood intervention, with graduates qualified for roles in early intervention centers, Head Start programs, and inclusive Pre-K through Grade 2 classrooms. Graduates can immediately step into roles such as Early Childhood Special Education Classroom Teacher or Early Intervention Specialist.
New York State Department of Education recommends as part of its requirements that degree programs Include a subject area concentration. The concentrations associated with the degree in Early Childhood Special Educaiton are:
- English
- Math
- Psychology
- Science
- Social Science (Social Studies)
Student
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:
-
Analyze the multiple influences on human development to create inclusive and supportive learning environments that demonstrate academic rigor, high expectations, commitment and care. -
Implement diverse, evidence based instructional strategies across content areas, including reteaching and modified lessons for children in general education, as well as targeted Response to Intervention (RTI) supports for students in or at risk for special education placement. -
Design and deliver content aligned curricula that meet state and national standards while remaining culturally responsive and developmentally appropriate. -
Use assessment data to monitor student progress, inform instruction, and advocate effectively for learner needs. -
Integrate technology and computational thinking to enhance pedagogical practice and prepare students for a digital world. -
Demonstrate professional ethics, rigorous academic scholarship, and a commitment to ongoing growth as an educational leader.
Major
Requirements
As part of your degree, you must fulfill the CUNY Pathways general education requirements, which consist of the Common Core (Required and Flexible) and the Medgar Evers College Option. These courses provide the essential quantitative, scientific, and socio-cultural literacy that complements your technical training.
- Required core courses:
- Education: EDUC 355, EDUC 381, EDUC 457, EDUC 481, EDUC 482, EDUC 491,EDUC 492, EDUC 494, EDUC 496, EDUC 498, EDUC 499, EDUC 501, EDUC 502, EDUC 503, EDUC 504, EDUC 505, EDUC 506, EDUC 507, EDUC 508 ENGL 209
- General Education: FS 101, GEOG 101, HIST 201, MTH 231 or MTH 220 or PSYC 101
Degree Map
A Degree Map is an essential advising tool. It provides a suggested sequence of courses designed to ensure students complete all degree requirements efficiently, typically within four years.
Student
Resources
Looking beyond graduation? This section is your hub for planning your professional future. Explore links to CUNY Master’s and Doctoral programs, view current Educator Pay Data, and jump straight to the NYC DOE Careers site to start your job search in New York City’s public and charter schools.
Flexible Learning Options
This program offers the same rigorous curriculum in two formats to fit your schedule:
- On-Campus: Traditional classroom experience.
- 100% Online: Fully asynchronous or synchronous remote learning for maximum flexibility.
- Note: Degree requirements and learning outcomes are identical for both tracks.
Have Questions? We’re Here to Help
If you have questions regarding the Department of Education or need assistance navigating the application process, please reach out to our department office.
dmaldonado@mec.cuny.edu
Phone: 718 270-4910
Location: 1650 Bedford Avenue, B-1007