Childhood and Special Education (B.S.) - Hegis Code 0802.00

The major in Childhood and Special Education is approved by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) and prepares teacher candidates with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to teach in public and private schools in childhood (grades 1-6) and special education (preschool to grade 12).

Teacher candidates in this major are required to complete a minimum of 100 hours of observation and work in public school classrooms as well as regular course work prior to student teaching. The practical application of the theory and principles of teaching and learning culminates in an assignment to area schools for student teaching in the senior year. It is necessary for students to make plans to set aside one of the semesters of the senior year to devote entirely to student teaching.

Students completing the childhood and special education major with a concentration in general studies must complete at least 60 credit hours in the liberal arts. Education courses are not liberal arts courses. Students should consult as early as possible with their advisor to be sure that they fulfill this requirement.

The Childhood and Special Education major includes specific admission and retention criteria and policies, including maintaining a minimum 2.75 GPA throughout the entire major. Students must also achieve a grade of C or better in all courses required for teacher certification. Retention criteria and policies can be found in the student handbook.

Total credits required for the Childhood and Special Education Bachelor of Science degree: 120. This includes electives where needed.

Learning Objectives

• Our degree candidates have a strong knowledge of subject matter.
• Our degree candidates demonstrate pedagogical content knowledge and the ability to use this knowledge to design effective lessons.
• Our degree candidates acquire teaching skills that promote student learning.
• Our degree candidates teach caringly and effectively and are professionals.
• Our degree candidates demonstrate an understanding of effective assessment of learning practices.
• Our candidates have multicultural perspectives and accuracy.
• Our degree candidates use technology effectively.