| Program
The program focuses on a multidisciplinary approach to planning and implementing services for these children. Central to the program is the belief that specialized skills are required if one is to work effectively with young children to provide the early intervention necessary for the promotion of optimal growth and development. This competency-based program is composed of 15 courses for a total of 45 quarter units. Students who also elect to earn the Education Specialist Credential in the area of Early Childhood Special Education complete the program outlined below. This credential will meet the new State of California requirements to work in a home, center, or school-based program serving infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with high incidence disabilities. Students who wish to receive only the Master of Arts degree may consult with a faculty adviser to create some flexibility incourse selections. Such an option is appropriate for individuals from a variety of backgrounds and interests: early education teachers, parents, physical and occupational therapists, psychologists, nurses, social workers, communications specialists, and others from allied fields who desire more specialized training in early intervention services. The heavy emphasis on family involvement benefits personnel from a broad range of social service agencies. Course Requirements - EDUC 218-Classroom Ecology: Applied Behavior Analysis (3 units)
- EDUC 234-Medical/health Aspects of Early Intervention (3 units)
- EDUC 235-Typical/Atypical Child Development (3 units)
- EDUC 236-Family Systems and Resoursces (3 units)
- EDUC 237-Assessment of Young Children with Special Needs (3 units)
- EDUC 238-Intervention for Young Children with Special Needs (3 units)
- EDUC 240-Introdution to Mild/Moderate Disabilities (3 units)
- EDUC 247-Professional, Legal, and Ethical Aspects of Special Education (3 units)
- EDUC 248-Development of Language and Literacy (3 units)
- EDUC 305F-Infant/Toddler Field Experience (3 units)
- EDUC 305G-Preschool Field Experience (3 units)
- EDUC 440-Special Topics: Autism (3 units)
- EDUC 490-Research Methods (3 units)
Preliminary Level I Prerequisites
Students wishing to receive the Education Specialist Credential in the area of Early Childhood Special Education are expected to have completed a course in Child Development and Introduction to Special Education or Inclusion. Additional prerequisites include: - a baccalaureate or higher degree from an accredited institution;
- passage of the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST);
- approved course work or an exam on the provisions and principles of the U.S. Constitution;
- GRE or MAT scores;
- an undergraduate minimum grade point of 2.75
- general graduate admissions requirements.
Level II Program Prerequisites Prior to application to Level II, students must have completed an approved Level I program at an accredited university. In addition, students are expected to have completed approved courses in health education and computer education. Level II Early Childhood Education Credential Requirements - EDUC 305H, 305I, 305J, 440, 441 and 442 (305 H-J may be replaced by non-University options).
Internship-Education Specialist: Early Childhood Special Education Credential Students eligible for admission into the Special Education Program may also be eligible to apply for the Internhsip-Education Specialist: Early Childhood Special Education Credential. This credential allows students to be hired by public school districts to fill positions as home, center, special day class, or resoruce specialists while completing their coursework. Students are expected to complete all Preliminary Level I coursework within two years. During this time, interns are mentored and closely supervised by the hiring school districts and the University. Interested students should contact district directors of special edcuation and the University program director, Professor Ruth E. Cook. |
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