BS Childhood and Special Education

Program Overview

The program emphasizes teaching diverse student populations, providing hands-on experience, and developing a deep understanding of child development and learning. Graduates are eligible for initial certification in Childhood Education (Grades 1-6) and Students With Disabilities (special education) in New York State.

Program Outline

Childhood and Special Education Program: UAlbany

Degree Overview:

This program equips you to be a teacher for students in first through sixth grade, as well as those with special needs across all grades. It focuses on teaching you how to work with diverse student populations and provide them with a quality education. You'll gain knowledge and hands-on experience in:

• Child development
• Teaching methods
• Social and cultural contexts
• Reading instruction
• Instructional technology
• Elementary subjects
• Special education

Objectives:

• Prepare students to become successful elementary and special education teachers
• Provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to teach students of all abilities
• Help students develop a deep understanding of child development and learning
• Equip students with the practical experience necessary to be effective teachers

Outline:

Field Experiences and Student Teaching:

• 18 credits dedicated to fieldwork experiences
• Placements in schools working with diverse populations
• Gain experience with students across developmental levels and backgrounds
• Faculty mentor provides support and guidance

Course Schedule:

• 51 credits in core topic areas:
• Foundations of Education
• Teaching as a Profession
• Educational Psychology, Development and Assessment
• Special Education
• Literacy
• STEM Instruction
• Social Studies
• Instructional Methods and Curriculum Development
• 30 credits in elementary subjects, including a minimum of 15 credits at the upper division level:
• Science
• Social Studies
• English Language Arts
• Mathematics
• Fine Arts
• Arts and Sciences Electives

Assessment:

• Various assessment methods including:
• Screening assessments
• Formative assessments
• Summative assessments
• Informal assessments
• Formal assessments
• Use assessments to inform instruction and decision making
• Evaluate student progress and identify areas for improvement

Teaching:

• Faculty members with expertise in content and pedagogy
• Focus on creating collaborative learning communities with students
• Utilize a variety of instructional approaches to meet the needs of each learner

Careers:

• Strong job prospects due to current teacher shortages

Other:

• The program is approved by New York State and leads to initial certification in Childhood Education (Grades 1–6) and Students With Disabilities (special education)
• You must maintain a 2.85 GPA to remain in the major
• The program is designed to be completed in 4 years