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Special Education - Early Childhood Specialty (Birth-Age 5) and Autism Spectrum Disorder Specialty, M.Ed.

Master of Education
At a Glance
Leads to Teacher Licensure?

No

Avg. Duration

2.5 years

Start Term

Fall

Required Credits

30

Course Load

Part-time

Location

Hybrid

Application Deadline

Not accepting applications

At a Glance
Leads to Teacher Licensure?

No

Avg. Duration

2.5 years

Start Term

Fall

Required Credits

30

Course Load

Part-time

Location

Hybrid

Application Deadline

Not accepting applications

Program Overview

Note: This program is not currently accepting applications.

The M.Ed. in Special Education, Specialty: Early Childhood Birth to Age 5, Shady Grove (SPEC) has a 30-credit, 10-course curriculum that addresses the developmental and learning needs of our youngest ages birth-5.

This program includes coverage of the unique needs of those with physical, sensory (e.g., deaf-blindness, cortical visual impairment, etc.), and multiple disabilities.

It provides students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities that support efforts to “achieve equitable developmental and academic achievement for all.”

Learning Goals
  • Develop and/or Expand their ability to support positive outcomes of developmentally diverse infants and young children and meet early childhood outcomes in the areas of:
    • a. positive social/interpersonal skills and relationships
    • b. acquisition and use of functional knowledge and skills and
    • c. use of appropriate behavior to meet needs
  • Build and use research and evidence-based practices in the areas of assessment, instruction and individualization that enable our youngest to be active and successful participants in their homes, child care environments, preschool and the community.  
  • Ensure that families know their rights, guide parents to effectively communicate their childs’ needs and desires, and support families to provide care for their children and acquire the necessary support and resources for their families.  
  • Enable those in the most challenged circumstances to achieve their true potential as they progress through the educational system and beyond.
How to Apply

Note: This program is not currently accepting applications.

Information on admissions and application to this program can be found on the University Graduate Admissions website.

Admission Requirements     Guide to Applying

Application Requirements

  • 3.0 GPA from Bachelor’s degree 
  • Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended.  Note: for admission purposes an unofficial transcript can be uploaded.  If accepted into the program an official will be required by the Graduate School by the end of the first semester of enrollment
  • Statement of Goals/Purpose, Interests, and Experiences (IMPORTANT - Include the following statement at the top of your Statement of Goals/Interests, and Experiences):
    •  "I am applying for the M.Ed.- Special Education - Early Childhood Off-Campus Montgomery County-USG"
  • Three (3)  Letters of Recommendation
  • Resume/Curriculum Vitae (IMPORTANT - Include one of the following statements at the top of your Resume):
    •  "I am applying for the M.Ed.- Special Education-Early Childhood Off-Campus Montgomery County-USG"
Program Requirements

The following is the course sequence.  Students should use this as a guide to develop a plan with the academic program director.

  • Overview    EDSP600    Issues and Trends in Educating Individuals with Disabilities
  • Content    EDSP613    Behavior and Classroom Management in Special Education
  • Content    EDSP624    Assessment in Early Childhood Special Education
  • Content    EDSP626    Characteristics of Infants and Young Children: Early Childhood Special Education
  • Content    EDSP631    Early Intervention: Early Childhood Special Education
  • Content    EDSP665    Families, Culture, and Disability
  • Content    EDSP678A    Seminar in Special Education
  • Evaluation    EDSP625    Seminar in Severe Disabilities-Seminar Paper Requirement
  • Research    EDSP670    Single Subject Research Designs

EDSP Program Handbook  

Career Options
  • Special Education educator (elementary only)
  • Behavior Intervention Specialist
  • Program Manager/Director roles
  • Instructional Coordinator
Contact
Agnesanne Danehey
Dr. Agnesanne J. Danehey