Online Master of Education in Early Childhood Special Education – Teacher Certification
Prepare for teacher certification with Arizona State University’s online Master of Education in early childhood special education – teacher certification program. This program offers unique opportunities to blend early childhood development with special education, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of early childhood special education. Graduates receive an institutional recommendation for the Early Childhood Special Education teaching certification in Arizona, making you well-equipped for roles in public school systems, early intervention programs and more.
Quick facts
Next start date: 01/13/2025
Total classes: 14
Weeks per class: 15
Total credit hours: 38
Prepare to become a certified teacher in early childhood special education
This early childhood special education teacher certification program teaches you how to support young children with exceptionalities and advance your understanding of early childhood education. You'll gain knowledge of child development theories, best practices and assessment methods. You'll also learn how to plan and implement effective interventions, monitor children’s progress and engage families collaboratively. Emphasizing the roles of family, community, collaboration and advocacy in early childhood special education, this program provides you with the knowledge, experience and certification needed to excel in this rewarding field.
Skills you’ll develop in this master’s program
Throughout this program, you'll develop a wide range of skills and competencies essential for working in early childhood education and special education settings, including:
- Collaboration with educators and parents.
- Design of inclusive instructional methodologies for various subjects.
- Development of research-based practices for typical and atypical behaviors in young children.
- Positive relationship building with children, families and communities.
- Remediation of learning difficulties.
- Support for child growth and development, including special health care needs.
- Support for language and literacy development.
- Use of a variety of assessment practices to evaluate young children's progress.
This teacher certification program also includes three professional placements: one in a birth-preschool setting and two in pre-kindergarten to grade 3 settings. You can choose between traditional or alternative certification routes. Traditional certification involves two internships and one student teaching experience, while the alternative route requires being hired as an early childhood teacher and completing two apprentice teaching courses, with an additional course or internship to meet requirements. These experiential learning opportunities will prepare you for a career in early childhood special education.
What candidates are a good fit for this early childhood special education teacher certification?
This early childhood special education master’s is ideal for candidates with a bachelor's degree in a field other than early childhood, special education or early childhood special education, who aspire to teach early childhood special education and obtain certification. If you're currently working in public or private preschools, elementary schools or early childhood education centers and you’re seeking certification or an alternative certificate, this program is well-suited for you.
Professional licensure and certification
ASU offers programs that lead to professional licensure with the State of Arizona and may allow graduates to be eligible for licensure in other states. Please check our professional licensure page for Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College to determine if this program meets the requirements in your state. Note that not all programs within the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College lead to professional licensure. Speak with an enrollment coach for more information.
Will my diploma say ‘online’?
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”
Early childhood special education master’s courses
In this program, you'll take a variety of courses that blend theory with hands-on practice. You'll study child development theories and best practices, learning how to assess young children and plan interventions. Courses will cover topics such as designing inclusive instructional methodologies, supporting language and literacy development and collaborating with families and communities. You'll also learn to use various assessment practices to evaluate children's progress. The program includes experiential learning opportunities, including internships and student teaching, to apply your knowledge in real-world settings.
Become a certified teacher
As a certified teacher and graduate of this program, you'll be prepared for a range of rewarding careers in early childhood special education, including teaching in public or private preschools, elementary schools or early childhood education centers. Your skills in collaborating with educators and parents, designing inclusive instructional methodologies and supporting child development will make you a valuable asset in any educational setting. Whether you choose to focus on special education, curriculum development, instructional coaching or another area, this program equips you with the knowledge and experience needed to succeed in the field. Potential career paths include, but aren’t limited to:
Learn from experts in the field of early childhood special education
The Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College faculty draws from a range of academic disciplines including cognitive science, psychology and economics. They seek to answer questions about the process of learning, teaching practices and effects of education policy. Our faculty is also committed to connecting research to schools and other learning environments. They ensure teacher and leadership preparation programs combine scholarly rigor with practical application.
Learn from experts in the field of early childhood special education
The Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College faculty draws from a range of academic disciplines including cognitive science, psychology and economics. They seek to answer questions about the process of learning, teaching practices and effects of education policy. Our faculty is also committed to connecting research to schools and other learning environments. They ensure teacher and leadership preparation programs combine scholarly rigor with practical application.
How to apply
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College.
Join one of the best colleges of education in the nation
Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College brings people and ideas together to increase the capabilities of educators and the performance of education systems. According to U.S. News & World Report, Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College is the only U.S. college of education to rank in the top 15 for both on-campus and online graduate education degrees.
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Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.