Early Childhood Special Education Certificate

This 20-credit certificate is for students who want to have additional proficiency in working with children with special needs. This certificate does not meet the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) requirements for teacher certification. All courses transfer into the Early Childhood Education A.A.S. degree and some courses are also applicable to the Early Childhood Education A.A.T. degree program. Completion of this program results in an academic certificate. Students wishing to obtain a professional certification must pass an examination with an authorized certifying body.

Students in this program are required to submit to a medical and criminal background check in order to participate in the required fieldwork courses. More information about the procedure, cost, timeline, etc. can be obtained through the Education Department Advisor. 

Participation in the required fieldwork courses is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of the medical and criminal background check. If a student is denied a fieldwork placement (which is required to complete the program) due to a medical and/or background check result, the student will meet with his or her advisor to discuss options, which could include dropping the course and changing program of study.