Inclusive Early Childhood Education
Master of Science in Education
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
- Learn to give children from birth through grade 2 the healthy start they need in school and in life. Nazareth defines inclusive education, also called special education, as nurturing students in their pursuit of a meaningful life.
- Gain knowledge, understanding, and skills to develop early intervention environments and learning experiences that support young children's physical, social, cognitive, and emotional development.
- Benefit from Nazareth University's accomplished faculty, clinically rich program, and innovative approaches to learning, which have given the University's inclusive education programs a long, proud history of transforming dedicated learners into well-prepared, effective educators.
Classes are mostly evenings
Traditional (on-campus) and hybrid (half online) classes offered
Complete in as fast as 14-20 months full-time
Fieldwork in urban, suburban, and rural schools
Curriculum Examples
- Teacher Learner Research and Inquiry
- Diverse Learners Learning and Learning Environments
- Differentiated Curriculum/Instruction and Collaborative Practice
- Foundations of Language and Literacy
- Curriculum in Early Childhood Education
- Integrated Arts in Early Childhood Education
- Literacy Assessment Program Planning and Assistive Technology for
- Diverse Learners
- Capstone Seminar
Value of Your Degree
- Many of our graduates work in school settings as Pre-K, kindergarten, first-, or second-grade teachers, consultant teachers, or special educators.
- This degree also provides a good background to work in nursery schools, child care settings, private agencies, and as early intervention service providers.
- Average salaries, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023): Preschool Teachers, $37,130; kindergarten and elementary school teachers: $63,680
Making Grad School Affordable
Grants, scholarships, veterans benefits, partner benefits, loans, and undergraduate loan forgiveness are options for paying for this grad degree.
Among the Nazareth opportunities: Teacher residency programs provide initial certification seekers with tuition support, a paycheck, co-teaching experience and mentoring. Funding is also available for high-need teachers and teacher candidates from underrepresented populations.
Student's Perspective
"While I consider myself lucky to have been hired straight out of graduate school, it was my education through Nazareth, not luck, which provided me with the up-to-date knowledge of current best practices and the tools I needed to be successful in the application and interview processes. Though every day still brings new challenges, the foundation and hands-on experience I received from my coursework has allowed me to face these challenges with confidence. The only part of teaching I wasn't prepared for was just how much I would love what I get to do every day.
Rebecca Hamilton, first-grade teacher, Newark Central School District
What to Expect
- Nazareth's affordable cost for grad teaching degrees makes this high-demand certification within reach, enabling you to fill a needed teaching position in a school district in the local region or beyond.
- A blend of classroom instruction and on-site experience
- Site-based classes at local partner schools and educational settings
- Individual advisement is available for program planning and support in applying for N.Y. state certification.
- Program graduates are recommended for two N.Y. state teacher certifications: Birth through grade 2 and Students with Disabilities at the initial and professional levels.
- You have the option to get specialized preparation in teaching students with autism and students with severe or multiple disabilities. Details: Interdisciplinary Specialty Program in Autism (I-SPAN) specialization, Teaching Students with Severe or Multiple Disabilities annotation.
- You have the option to include an early-intervention interprofessional concentration (track): Rochester Scholars for Early Intervention helps you develop specialty knowledge and skills to be a strong advocate for young children and their families.
- Nazareth's full-time director of clinical experiences and partnerships and full-time certification officer provide you with strong support, including prep for certification exams and facilitating hands-on experiences with students. If you're working in a school district, this can include facilitation with your own school district so you can meet degree requirements while keeping your job.
- Your full-time career coach for education (part of Nazareth's nationally recognized Center for Life's Work) is available for resume, interviewing, and job search guidance.
- Additional guidance and support is available from your individual academic advisor and from the School of Education's director of academic support services.
