Inclusive Early Childhood Education (Birth-Grade 2) Major

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2. Childhood and Early Childhood Education
3. Inclusive Early Childhood Education (Birth-Grade 2)

This is a dual certification program that prepares you to obtain dual certification in early childhood education and early childhood special education to teach students with and without disabilities in preschool settings through grade 2. You will learn to create high-quality inclusive environments that respect all children and their families, are developmentally appropriate and are child centered.

Career Potential

• Early childhood education teacher of children ages birth to grade 2
• Early childhood special education teacher of children ages birth to grade 2
• Child-care provider
• Child-care center director
• Resource and referral counselor

What Will I Learn?

Student teaching and fieldwork provide real-world experience that brings classroom learning to life. Through this program, you’ll

• Develop strategies for teaching students with disabilities in inclusive classrooms
• Become familiar with assessment techniques to understand the growth and development of young children
• Explore the philosophies and interpersonal aspects of directing child-care centers or programs

The department also offers courses in

• Multicultural and urban education
• The role of gender in schooling
• The relationship between schools and society

Concentration Options

• Environmental Studies
• Humanities
• Social Sciences
• English Language Arts and Writing
• Mathematics
• Urban Studies

Special Features

• Cortland’s Urban Recruitment of Educators (C.U.R.E.) Program
• Student teaching in urban, suburban or rural settings
• Study abroad opportunities
• Student teaching opportunities in Australia and New York City
• Experiential placements in urban, rural and suburban classrooms
• Experiential placements in families with children who have disabilities
• International Honor Society in Education (Kappa Delta Pi)

Get Involved

College is more than a classroom. Enhance your experience with extracurricular opportunities: Participate in workshops, volunteer with various organizations or join a club that interests you.

Student Clubs

• Education Club
• Inclusive Special Education

Honor Society

Kappa Delta Pi, International Honor Society in Education

Next Steps