Individuals interested in working with
children with emotional and behavioral challenges will a degree in
special education to be a requirement for nearly every position.
Students interested in distance learning can pursue online master's and
doctoral programs.
Online Master's Degree Programs in Early Childhood Special Education Overview
Most students seeking a Master in Education (M.Ed.) degree in early
childhood special education are educators who already work with children
with education and
behavioral
challenges fostering students' academic achievement and classroom
interaction with fellow students and instructors. A bachelor's degree in
a relevant field and acceptable scores on graduate entrance exams are
prerequisites for the master's degree program.
A master's degree program typically takes 2-3 years to complete.
Students interested in distance learning need a computer with high-speed
Internet access. Instructors combine traditional texts with modern
online teaching methods, such as a course management system and online
presentations, in order to create a virtual classroom experience.
List of Common Courses in Early Childhood Special Education at the Master's Level
Graduate-level courses in early childhood special education prepare
students for a focused career path in education. Courses examine current
educational laws and policies, as well as strategies for working with
behaviorally and academically challenged children in the classroom.
Mental Health Issues in Education Course
Students receive a comprehensive overview of elementary and secondary
school students' unique mental health issues and challenges, including
ADHD, family problems, self-esteem and bullying. This course focuses on
successful classroom integration of challenged students.
Introduction to the Learning Process Course
During this course, students learn contemporary, tested principles of
human learning, practical applications of those principles in the
class. Current education research is also a focal point.
Education and Policy, Law and Ethics Course
Federal laws concerning education and specifically laws impacting
challenged children, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education
Act (IDEA) , the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and
the No Child Left Behind Act, are topics covered in this class. Students
also study the current state of the juvenile court system, abuse and
neglect reporting,, drugs, weapons and states' safe schools acts.
In addition to a degree, states also require K-12 teachers to be
licensed and complete a teacher education program. While employment is
possible with only a bachelor's degree, a master's degree is highly
preferable. The U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expected a 17% rise in
employment for special educational teachers who averaged an annual
salary of $53,770.
Online Doctoral Programs in Early Childhood Special Education Overview
Individuals aspiring to educational leadership positions or looking
to teach at the college or university level will find a doctoral degree
to be an asset. A master's degree in a relevant field is a prerequisite,
as is prior professional experience. Students complete advanced
seminars in special topics focused on working with emotionally and
academically challenged children in the classroom.
Those interested in distance-learning can take advantage of online
and hybrid degree programs, which can be completed in 3-4 years.
Students need a computer with a high-speed Internet connection. Since
many classes require students to complete academic papers, a good word
processing program is required.
List of Common Courses in Early Childhood Special Education at the Doctoral Level
Doctoral courses consist primarily of special topic seminars on
special education issues such as behavioral disorders, working with
ethnically diverse students and current academic testing tools. Doctoral
candidates also conduct academic research in writing a dissertation.
Disabilities and Multiculturalism Course
This course looks at the classroom challenges of cultural, ethnic and
linguistic differences. Topics of special interest include prejudices,
handicapism, discrimination and minority viewpoints. Students study,
analyze and practice preventative tactics and problem resolution.
Academic Research in Education Course
This course provides students with a comprehensive overview of how to
conduct academic research on topics in education. Students identify
research questions, review contemporary literature and conduct
self-directed research
Advanced Behavioral Analysis Course
This advanced course looks at behavioral analysis from a research
standpoint, with emphasis on classroom application. Topics of special
interest include stimulus control, rule-governed behavior, setting
events, verbal behavior and functional analysis.
Prospective college or university teachers and high-level academics overwhelmingly hold a doctorate degree. In September 2010,
Salary.com
reported typical annual salaries for associate professors and
professors of special education to be $45,000-$96,000 and
$56,000-$196,000 respectively.
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