Early Childhood Special Education (Birth-Grade 2), M.S.

The master’s degree in Early Childhood Special Education prepares graduates to work with diverse infants, young children, and their families in a variety of home, school, community, and agency settings.

FULL tuition scholarships + living expenses for diverse future teachers in this and other select master’s programs through the Baldanza Fellows Program.

This program is for students who have an interest in teaching in early childhood general and special education, reflecting innovative and research-based strategies for teaching all children birth through grade 2 with and without disabilities, in a range of home, community, and educational settings.

This program meets the academic requirements for initial and professional New York State teacher certification in both Early Childhood Education (birth-grade 2) and Students with Disabilities (birth-grade 2)—one of the only dual certification programs in the area.

Suggested Application Deadline: January 15 | More admissions information

Why Early Childhood Special Education at Syracuse?

• This program prepares students for teaching diverse students in 21st century classrooms. From experiences in university classrooms, schools, and communities, you will learn to design inclusive, culturally relevant pedagogy for all children from birth through grade 2.
• Students collaborate with professionals and faculty who are leaders in the field of child and family studies, early childhood, special and elementary education, and
• Most students are employed immediately after completing the program.
• The program builds on the long, pioneering tradition of inclusive education and disability studies in the Syracuse University School of Education.
• Small student cohorts and a highly engaged alumni network mean you get to know your teachers and peers who will become your lifelong colleagues.
• Students have at least four field placements in early education, prekindergarten, and K-2 settings, including full time student teaching placements. These placements are at a variety of settings with partners that share close relationships with the School of Education, such as the nationally recognized, fully inclusive Jowonio School.

Our graduates join the growing population of professionals as teachers, teaching assistants, aides, consultants, and other roles in:

• Early childhood programs, childcare centers, and daycare
• Preschools and elementary schools
• Agencies and community programs
• Early intervention settings
• Further studies in Special Education, Educational Leadership, Teaching and Curriculum, or another area of interest

View other master’s degree programs in Inclusive Special Education (Grades 1-6) and Inclusive Special Education (Grades 7-12 Generalist). 

Program Contacts

Speranza Migliore, Graduate Academic Advisor

smiglior@syr.edu|315.443.2505

Jill Christian-Lynch, Assistant Teaching Professor

jclynch@syr.edu|