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

Admission Requirements

1. A completed application form accompanied by a $50 nonrefundable application fee.
2. Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work.
3. A bachelor’s degree with a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale in all undergraduate course work.
4. Three Candidate Reference Forms accompanied by three letters of recommendation.
5. A Performance-Based Evaluation.
6. Completion of SPED 300 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
7. An application essay describing the candidate’s commitment to special education, cultural awareness, collaboration, and lifelong learning.
8. An interview may be required.
9. 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 210 (or 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 503	Positive Behavior Interventions: Students with Disabilities	3	Fall (as needed).
SPED 513	Characteristics/Needs of Young Exceptional Children	3	Summer.
SPED 515	Early Childhood Developmental Screening and Assessment	3	Fall.
SPED 516	Individualized Interventions for Young Exceptional Children	3	Fall.
SPED 525	Development of Communication and Movement	3	Fall.
SPED 544	Families in Early Intervention Programs: Essential Roles	3	Fall.
SPED 615	Assessment Practicum: Early Childhood Special Education	1	Fall.
SPED 616	Intervention Practicum: Early Childhood Special Education	1	Fall.
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: 32