B.A. in Creative Industries and Entrepreneurship
York College of Pennsylvania offers over 70 baccalaureate majors across professional pr...
B.S. in Early Elementary/Special Education
York, Pennsylvania
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The B.S. in Early Elementary/Special Education at York College offers a unique dual certification path, enabling graduates to teach both general education students from pre-kindergarten through fourth grade (PreK-4) and special education students from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade (PreK-12). This comprehensive program provides a deep understanding of child development, effective instructional strategies for diverse learners, and inclusive classroom practices. Students are equipped to address the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical needs of all children, fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment. The program aims to create versatile educators who can make a significant impact on the lives of young learners with varying abilities and backgrounds.
Curriculum: The curriculum is rigorous and aligns with the certification requirements of the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE). It integrates foundational education courses with specialized content in both early elementary and special education. Key topics include child and adolescent development, educational psychology, literacy and language acquisition, mathematics instruction, science education, social studies methods, and a strong emphasis on evidence-based instruction for students with special needs. Coursework also covers essential areas such as positive behavior support, assistive and augmentative technology, and teaching English language learners. Extensive field experiences, including early classroom observations, practicum placements, and a full semester of student teaching, are integrated throughout the program, ensuring students gain practical skills and apply theoretical knowledge in real classroom settings.
Research Focus: While primarily a professional preparation program, the Early Elementary/Special Education curriculum implicitly emphasizes research-informed practices. Students are trained to critically analyze and apply current educational research in areas such as child development, learning disabilities, inclusive practices, and instructional methodologies. Faculty members, who often possess extensive real-world experience, guide students in understanding evidence-based strategies to address the diverse needs of learners. Opportunities may exist for students to engage in action research within their field placements, allowing them to investigate and refine their own teaching practices based on data and reflection, thus contributing to best practices in the classroom.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a cornerstone of this program, manifested primarily through its robust network of field experiences and student teaching placements. York College has established strong partnerships with local and regional school districts and early childhood centers, providing students with invaluable direct classroom experience from their early semesters. These immersive experiences allow students to apply their learning in diverse settings, work alongside experienced educators, develop classroom management skills, and build professional networks. This extensive hands-on training ensures that graduates are not only academically prepared but also possess the practical competencies and professional connections vital for immediate success in the education field. The program's focus on professional practice culminates in a comprehensive student teaching experience that meets Pennsylvania certification requirements.
Global Perspective: York College of Pennsylvania actively promotes a global perspective through a variety of study abroad opportunities available to all students, including those in the education programs. These programs, which can range from short-term faculty-led trips to semester-long immersions, provide students with exposure to diverse cultures and, in some cases, different educational systems. By interacting with a global community, education majors can enhance their cultural sensitivity, adaptability, and understanding of how different societies approach education and support for children with diverse needs. This broader perspective can greatly enrich their teaching practices and prepare them to work effectively with an increasingly multicultural student population in their future classrooms.
Location
York, Pennsylvania
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
USD 26920
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 58 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
York College of Pennsylvania offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students in achieving their academic goals while easing financial burdens. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and other special talents among international applicants.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students applying to York College are considered for merit-based scholarships automatically during the admissions process. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements, standardized test scores, and overall application strength. High-achieving students can receive significant tuition discounts, which help make studying in the U.S. more affordable.
International Student Scholarships: York College provides dedicated scholarships for international students, which may include renewable awards throughout the duration of their degree program. These scholarships acknowledge the diverse backgrounds and contributions international students bring to the campus community.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain academic departments at York College offer scholarships to students who demonstrate exceptional performance or promise in their chosen field of study. International students are encouraged to explore these opportunities by contacting their academic departments directly.
A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Early Elementary/Special Education from York College of Pennsylvania provides graduates with a highly desirable dual certification, enabling them to teach a broad spectrum of students from pre-kindergarten through high school (PreK-12 for special education). This comprehensive preparation makes them incredibly versatile and sought-after in the education sector.
Early Elementary Teacher (PreK-4): This is a primary pathway, where graduates teach in general education settings for pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, first, second, third, or fourth grade. They are responsible for delivering core curriculum, fostering social-emotional development, and creating engaging learning environments.
Special Education Teacher (PreK-12): With the special education certification, graduates can work directly with students who have diverse learning, developmental, or physical disabilities across a wide age range. This includes designing and implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), adapting curriculum, and providing specialized instruction in inclusive classrooms or resource rooms.
Inclusive Classroom Teacher: Leveraging both certifications, graduates are exceptionally qualified to teach in inclusive classrooms, where students with and without disabilities learn together. They can effectively differentiate instruction and provide support to meet the needs of all learners, making them valuable assets to any school.
Early Intervention Specialist: Focusing on children from birth to age five who have or are at risk of developmental delays, these specialists provide crucial support and therapy. While some roles may require a master's, a B.S. with dual certification provides an excellent foundation and may lead to assistant or support roles.
Preschool Special Education Teacher: This specific role within special education focuses on the unique needs of preschool-aged children with disabilities, helping them develop foundational skills before entering kindergarten.
Learning Support Teacher: In this role, graduates work with students who have learning disabilities or other academic challenges, providing targeted interventions and support either individually or in small groups, often within a school's learning support or resource room.
Behavioral Intervention Specialist (Assistant/Support): With their understanding of diverse learners and positive behavior support strategies, graduates can assist in implementing behavior plans for students with emotional or behavioral disorders, working under the guidance of a board-certified behavior analyst or school psychologist.
Childcare Center Director/Administrator: The comprehensive understanding of early childhood development and educational programming gained through the degree can lead to administrative roles in childcare centers, where graduates oversee operations, curriculum development, and staff management.
Curriculum Developer (Early Childhood/Special Education): Graduates can leverage their expertise to design age-appropriate and inclusive educational materials for young children or specialized curricula for students with disabilities, working for educational publishers, non-profits, or school districts.
Education Coordinator for Non-Profits or Community Programs: Many non-profit organizations and community-based programs focus on supporting children's development and learning. A dual-certified educator can design and manage educational programs, workshops, or after-school initiatives for diverse groups of children, including those with special needs.
