Graduate Studies
Master of Arts in Infant/Toddler Early Childhood Special Education

The Master of Arts in Infant/Toddler Early Childhood Special Education provides students with basic core courses and courses that link Early Childhood Education with New York State Standards for Preschool, Kindergarten, and grades 1 and 2. The 36 credit program provides a strong research component which is characteristic of the integration of theory and practice.

The program is designed for those interested in obtaining a Master of Arts Degree with certification in Early Childhood Special Education. This part time program is suitable for teachers who have a basic certification and who work or plan to work with infants, toddlers, and children in the early childhood stage of development and who may have developmental delays. The courses offered are appropriate for teachers who wish to continue their expertise in teaching by acquiring knowledge and developing competencies working with infants, toddlers and young children and their families. The program emphasizes the interrelated development of knowledge, understanding, sensitivity, and skills resulting in more effective and significant teaching and learning.

The philosophy mentions that the Master of Arts Program is a further development of the Child Study Program on the undergraduate level. The courses offered in the Infant/Toddler Early Childhood Special Education Program are specifically directed to instructional techniques and a knowledge base related to children who have special educational needs from moderate to severe as well as a link in the liberal arts courses to the New York State Learning Standards. St. Joseph’s College has, as its mission, the support of educational programs that contribute to the vitality of the communities served by the Suffolk Campus.

Candidates are prepared for certification by achieving the outcomes of the courses offered in the program. The Graduate Program emphasizes in depth interrelated development of development of knowledge, understanding, sensitivity, respect and skills resulting in more effective and significant teaching and learning in response to the instructional needs of children 0–3 years of age, preschool, kindergarten and grades 1 and 2.