Program Overview
The Early Elementary/Special Education program at York College of Pennsylvania prepares students for careers as teachers in both general education (PreK-grade 4) and special education (PreK-grade 12). Through a combination of coursework, field experiences, and student teaching, students gain hands-on experience and develop professional skills such as collaboration, communication, and problem-solving. Graduates are qualified for a variety of careers in education, including general education teacher, special education teacher, and early intervention specialist.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Early Elementary/Special Education program at York College of Pennsylvania is designed to prepare students for careers as teachers in both general education (PreK-grade 4) and special education (PreK-grade 12). The program emphasizes an understanding and appreciation of individual differences in today's diverse classrooms, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to promote highly effective instruction for all learners, including students with special needs and English Language Learners.
Objectives:
- Provide students with a comprehensive understanding of child development, learning, and teaching.
- Develop students' skills in effective instruction, including curriculum development, assessment, and differentiated instruction.
- Prepare students for professional certification in both general and special education.
- Foster a commitment to diversity and inclusion in educational settings.
Description:
The program balances theoretical knowledge with practical experience through a combination of coursework, field experiences, and student teaching. Students gain hands-on experience working with children in a variety of settings, including general education classrooms, special education classrooms, and inclusive settings. The program also emphasizes the development of professional skills such as collaboration, communication, and problem-solving.
Outline:
Program Content:
The program covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Child development and learning
- Teaching and learning methodologies
- Curriculum development and assessment
- Special education law and policy
- Inclusive practices
- Technology in education
- Cultural diversity
Program Structure:
The program consists of 128 credits, divided into the following categories:
- General Education Requirements (39 credits)
- Foundations Requirements (9 credits)
- Major Requirements (65 credits)
- Professional Semester (15 credits)
Course Schedule:
The program offers a variety of courses, including:
- Introduction to Special Education
- Instruction and Curriculum Development
- Early Childhood Theory and Practice
- Effective Communication in the Field of Education
- Teaching Social Studies Methods
- Teaching Mathematics Methods
- Teaching Science Methods
- Student Teaching Seminar
- Student Teaching
Module Descriptions:
Each module within the program focuses on a specific topic area.
Assessment:
Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
- Exams
- Papers
- Presentations
- Fieldwork assignments
- Student teaching performance
Assessment Criteria:
The program uses a variety of criteria to assess student learning, including:
- Knowledge and understanding of content
- Application of knowledge and skills
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
- Professionalism and communication
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The program uses a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Discussions
- Simulations
- Hands-on activities
- Technology-based learning
Faculty:
The program is taught by experienced faculty with expertise in early childhood education, special education, and related fields. Faculty members are actively involved in research and scholarship, and they bring their real-world experience into the classroom.
Unique Approaches:
The program emphasizes the use of technology to support teaching and learning. Students have access to a variety of technology resources, including computers, iPads, and educational software. The program also offers a unique opportunity for students to participate in the Transformation: Children, Families, and Development Across the Lifespan constellation, which focuses on the development of children from birth through adolescence.
Careers:
Career Paths:
Graduates of the program are qualified for a variety of careers in education, including:
- General education teacher (PreK-grade 4)
- Special education teacher (PreK-grade 12)
- Resource room teacher
- Early intervention specialist
- Educational consultant
- Curriculum developer
Career Opportunities:
Graduates of the program are employed in a variety of settings, including:
- Public schools
- Private schools
- Charter schools
- Early intervention programs
- Educational agencies
- Non-profit organizations
Career Outcomes:
Graduates of the program are consistently highly sought after by employers and have a high rate of job placement. The program also prepares students for further graduate study in education or related fields.
Field Experiences:
Students in the program are required to complete a minimum of 190 hours of field experience prior to student teaching. These experiences provide students with the opportunity to observe and work with children in a variety of educational settings.
Student Teaching:
The program culminates in a semester-long student teaching experience. Students are placed in a public school classroom under the supervision of a certified teacher. This experience allows students to apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world setting and to develop their professional skills as educators.
