Master of Arts (M.a.)
Early Childhood Special Education
Program Highlights & Benefits
Classes meet online or one night a week, same night for the entire program
2 year or less completion time, including holiday breaks
One course completed every 8 weeks
Transfer credits considered
Program Overview
The Master of Arts in Early Childhood Special Education is designed for educators with an Illinois license endorsed in early childhood education or LBS I (PK-21 or K-21). This program is for educators who desire to teach early childhood-age students with disabilities in pre-kindergarten up to age eight. This program is designed to provide qualified candidates with the necessary skills and knowledge to become an Early Childhood Special Education Teacher.
Program Objectives
- Build and strengthen a theoretical understanding of the foundations of early childhood special education.
- Examine issues relevant to the early intervention, least restrictive environment, educational settings, language development, and special education law and policy.
- Develop and utilize appropriate assessments and teaching strategies for young children with disabilities.
- Collaborate with all stakeholders, including parents, community, family members and other institutions to support young children with disabilities.
- Conduct research to answer questions related to early childhood special education practices and successfully meet the needs of all learners.
Approval Requirements
- Illinois license endorsed in early childhood education or LBS I (PK-21 or K-21)
- Hold a professional educator license
Areas of Study
| Course Number | Title | Hours |
| ECE 6320 | Child Development and Ethics in Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| EDI 6010 | Differentiation and Learning Theory | 3 |
| RES 6600 | Research in Education | 3 |
| SPED 6500 | Family and Community Relationships in Early Childhood Special* | 3 |
| SPED 6510 | Language Development in Early Childhood Special Education* | 3 |
| SPED 6520 | Special Education Assessment for Early Childhood Educators* | 3 |
| SPED 6530 | Special Education Methods for Early Childhood Educators* | 3 |
| SPED 6540 | Early Intervention Methods and Transitional Planning | 3 |
| SPED 6650 | Characteristics of the Young Exceptional Learner | 3 |
| SPED 6892 | Early Childhood Special Education Practicum | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 30 |
* These courses fulfill the Illinois state course requirements for an Early Childhood Special Education Approval.
Masters Capstone Experience
A master’s capstone is required for all Master of Arts candidates. This culminating project highlights the candidate’s mastery of content throughout their studies. Capstones traditionally demonstrate overall growth and specific understandings of the professional standards. The capstone serves as a performance-based evaluation and promotes reflective practice. It also demonstrates the professional’s proficiency in integrating technology and the ability to interpret theory into practice.
NOTE: This is only an introduction of the program. You are responsible to review the Graduate Catalog for program details.
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