The 5-year dual certification, 147 credit BS/MS program in Early Childhood Education and Special Education prepares candidates to become knowledgeable, caring, and inspiring teachers of general education and special education children who range from birth to grade 2. In pursuing the two degrees, you will acquire competencies in content, methodology, classroom management, referral, evaluation, and Individual Education Program (IEP) development processes, as well as knowledge of the history, philosophy, and sociology of general and special education, IDEA, and special education classifications. You will also study the critical role of technology and assistive technology in designing effective learning environments for general education and special education student as well as develop an understanding of formal and informal assessments, and how to use them to learn about students, plan instruction, and make instructional modifications related to the developmental learning process. After you complete all degree requirements, successfully pass New York State Licensure tests (EAS, CST and edTPA) and you have completed all required teacher certification workshops, you will be awarded Initial teaching certification by the New York State Department of Education (NYSED) in Early Childhood, with a secondary certification in Special Education. Please refer to the NYSED certification website (www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/) for the most up-to-date certification requirements.