Requirements for a Childhood/Special Education Teacher Certification

Students who wish to qualify for recommendation for an initial certificate in childhood/special education school in New York state (grades 1-6) must complete the childhood curriculum concentration and select one of eight options for their emphasis: American Sign Language, art, English, family and child studies, global studies, mathematics, Spanish, or science. They must complete all degree requirements for the major; they must complete one semester of a foreign language or its equivalent (one year of a single language in high school fulfills this requirement); they must complete the required hours of field experience working with students in their area and level of desired certification, students with disabilities, and students in a high-needs school; they must complete workshops in mandated reporting, substance abuse, and violence prevention; and they must complete the required New York state teacher exams. Further details on these examinations are available in the division office.