Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Special Education
The Early Childhood Special Education certificate combines early childhood education and special education courses to provide additional training for individuals who teach or work with children with special needs.
This certificate has been approved by the Higher Education Coordinating Board and is awarded by Sam Houston State University.
This Graduate Certificate is eligible to receive Title IV funding – Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Graduate PLUS loans by request. To be considered for aid, students need to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Note: This certificate in Early Childhood Special Education DOES NOT lead to teacher certification.
Additional information: Reference the Program Landing Page for additional information, such as cost, delivery format, contact information, or to schedule a visit.
Applicants seeking admission to the graduate certificate program in Early Childhood Special Education must submit the following directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions:
- Graduate Application
- Application fee
- Official transcript from the baccalaureate degree granting institution
- List of three professional references with contact information and relationship to applicant.
- Writing sample
For recommendation forms and writing sample instructions, please contact the School of Teaching and Learning or visit the Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Special Education program landing page.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Special Education | ||
| Required Course | ||
| SPED 5301 | Ed Of Indvdls Wth Disabilities (Offered summer only) | 3 |
| Special Education | ||
| Select two from the following: | 6 | |
| Tch Mthd-Lrnrs/Mild-Mod Dsblty | ||
| Transition Services Ind w Dis | ||
| Transition Assessment and Inst | ||
| In-Home Training & Family Iss | ||
| Std Behavior Disorder Children | ||
| Outcomes in Behav Intervent | ||
| Early Childhood Education | ||
| Select two from the following: 1 | 6 | |
| Curriculum Dev-Early Child Edu | ||
| Lang & Lit Dev In Young Child | ||
| Curr Pract-Early Child Setting | ||
| Buildg Rel With Div Fam& Child | ||
| Theor. Perspctv-Early Child Ed | ||
| Development Of The Young Child | ||
| Special Topics Erly Childhd Ed (May be taken twice with varied topic) | ||
| Total Hours | 15 | |
- 1
One graduate early childhood (ECHE) course is offered per semester.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) marketable skills initiative is part of the state’s 60x30TX plan and was designed to help students articulate their skills to employers. Marketable skills are those skills valued by employers and/or graduate programs that can be applied in a variety of work or education settings and may include interpersonal, cognitive, and applied skill areas.
The Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Special Education is designed to provide graduates with the following marketable skills:
- Learn about child development and best practices for students with special needs
- Teaching methods for young children and families
- Learn how to assess young children with additional learning needs
- Community and family relations skills
