Special Education M.Ed.—with Concentration in Early Childhood—Birth Through Grade 2

Admission Requirements

1. Completion of all Feinstein School of Education and Human Development admission requirements.
2. Completion of SPED 300, SPED 310, and SPED 415 or their equivalent as determined by the Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) advisor are required for Rhode Island Department of Education early childhood special education certification
3. An application essay describing the candidate’s commitment to special education, cultural awareness, collaboration, and lifelong learning.
4. An interview may be required.
5. An M.Ed. in special education with concentration in early childhood—birth to grade 2 requires that the student is eligible for Rhode Island certification in early childhood education (possesses certification in early childhood education). Students currently matriculated in Rhode Island College’s B.S. in Early Childhood Education program may take up to 6 credits prior to submitting documentation of Rhode Island certification as an Early Childhood Education Teacher.

Course Requirements

Program Prerequisites

SPED 300, SPED 310, SPED 415 or their equivalent and an undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education are required for Rhode Island Department of Education early childhood special education certification.

Program Electives

Course	Title	Credits	Offered
	ONE COURSE in research methods, chosen with advisor’s consent	3
	ONE COURSE in multicultural perspectives, chosen with advisor’s consent	3

Professional Education Component

Course	Title	Credits	Offered
SPED 513	Orientation to the Education of Young Children with Special Needs	3	Summer.
SPED 516	Programs for Young Children with Disabilities	3	Spring.
SPED 517	Medical Aspects of Developmental Disabilities	3	Spring.
SPED 525	Development of Communication and Movement	3	Fall.
SPED 544	Families in Early Intervention Programs: Essential Roles	3	Fall.
SPED 561	Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorders	3	Fall (as needed).
SPED 668	Internship in Inclusive Early Childhood	3	Fall, Spring, Summer.
SPED 669	Internship in Early Intervention	3	Fall, Spring, Summer.

Comprehensive Assessment

Course	Title	Credits	Offered
CA	Comprehensive Assessment	0

Total Credit Hours: 30