Early Childhood and Special Education
Early Childhood and Special Education: Inspire Young Minds
Do you want to build a foundation that’ll last a lifetime? Are you ready to nurture a love for literacy, mathematics, and social skills? Earn your bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Special Education (Birth to Grade 2)! Let your passion for teaching soar as you inspire young minds and shape the future.
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Ready to take the next step? Sign up for a visit! Call us at 585-594-7612 or schedule online.
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4 Year Promise
At Roberts, we are committed to giving you a head start in earning income and achieving your personal goals by helping you graduate in four years. In fact, we guarantee it.
Program Highlights
PARTICIPATE IN A CLASSROOM
Get real-world experience working with students and teachers in local classrooms all throughout your program.
PREPARE FOR YOUR CAREER
Grow your confidence through one semester of mentored student teaching by leading a classroom.
SAVE TIME AND MONEY
Prepare for professional New York State teacher certification through Roberts' graduate programs in Literacy or Special Education.
STORIES LEADING THE WAY
Kasie Kae Fritz, Early Childhood/Special Education (B-2)
I transferred to Roberts Wesleyan after hearing how wonderful their education program was, but I had no idea how great of an impact the professors, students, and program as a whole would have on me. My professors instilled a passion in me to get to know my students in order to be a successful teacher as well as a genuine love for learning. I have gleaned more from my program than I ever thought possible and have been given so much encouragement.
Because of Roberts, I feel confident in my abilities as an early childhood educator and feel ready to conquer my first teaching job.
What Will I Learn
You will be taught strategies that will qualify you to teach in inclusive preschool and elementary classrooms. These strategies combined with the dual certification offered by this program will greatly enhance your career options.
You will choose one of the following concentrations for certification:- Historical and Social Sciences
- Language Arts
- Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Math, Science & Technology – Emphasis on Math
- Math, Science & Technology – Emphasis on Science
- Social Studies
- How to connect with community resources and agencies
- Collaboration with families
- The foundations of special education
- How to manage the learning environment
- Planning and analyzing early intervention strategies
- How to create an inclusive and culturally responsive classroom
Career Outlook
Student Teaching Placements
- Webster Central School District (CSD)
- Greece CSD
- Rochester CSD
- Pittsford CSD
- Churchville-Chili CSD
- Brockport CSD
- Hilton CSD
- Byron-Bergen CSD
- Spencerport CSD
- Kendall CSD
- Penfield CSD
- Rush-Henrietta CSD
- Private schools and agencies such as Charles Finney, Mary Cariola Children’s Center, Hillside Children’s Center, Cornerstone Christian Academy, McQuaid, and more!
Careers
- Preschool Teacher
- Preschool Special Education Teacher
- Elementary Teacher (Pre-K-Grade 2)
- Elementary Special Education Teacher (Pre-K-Grade 2)
- Universal Pre-K/Head Start Teacher
Roberts’ Graduate Teacher Education Professional Programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Teachers need at least a bachelor’s degree. The major can be flexible – whether it be in education, their intended field of teaching, or a more focused education degree like the Early Childhood/Students With Disabilities & Special Education degree here at Roberts.
Many teachers do go on to obtain a master’s or even doctorate degree, as well. Some states (New York, Maryland, and Connecticut) actually require teachers to obtain their master’s degree in teaching or education in a certain amount of time to maintain their teaching certification. Along with that, many districts pay teachers who obtain their master’s degree more than those who don’t.
Special education is specially designed instruction for educating students with disabilities, individual differences, and special needs. Because each student learns differently, there is a wide range of accommodations involved in special education.
Here at Roberts, we value creating a learning environment that supports all learners. So, as a student in the Early Childhood and Special Education program, you’ll take courses like Foundations of Special Education, Creating Inclusive Learning Communities, and Assessment for Special Education.
According to the US Bureau of Labor, the median annual wage for kindergarten and elementary school teachers in 2021 was about $61,350.
Naturally, the numbers will differ by area, type of school, and position.
Yes! If you come to campus for an individual visit, you can meet individually with a professor to get an overview of the major and your individual questions answered. Our Discovery Day events typically include a Faculty & Services Expo, where you can meet your future professors.
We are committed to helping students meet the financial obligation to earn a degree and advance a career. Our Office of Student Financial Services works to assist all students in their effort to maximize financial aid. We award financial assistance to 100% of our undergraduate students.