Academics
Admissions & Aid
Student Life
About
Info For
Develop a broad array of pedagogy skills in this unique program leading to the New York State Teaching certificate in both childhood education and special education. Acquire a real depth of experience by working with students grades 1–6 and students with disabilities of all grades, helping them to strengthen their ability to succeed in education settings. Discover the benefits of working with families and gain an understanding of civil rights issues. Learn how to implement strategies to enhance student learning outcomes, and grow your ability to use technology and implement behavioral interventions effectively.
After completing this program, you will become a competent teacher, well versed in research, theory, and practice. You will be qualified for employment in New York City schools and to receive two New York State initial teacher certifications: Childhood Education (grades 1–6) and Students With Disabilities (all grades).
The program information listed here reflects the approved curriculum for the 2024–25 academic year per the Brooklyn College Bulletin. Bulletins from past academic years can be found here.
Completion of the B.S. degree with a major in childhood education with special education courses qualifies students to receive New York State initial teacher certifications for childhood education (grades 1–6) and teaching students with disabilities. This program is offered to selected students interested in working in schools and other educational settings that serve individuals with disabilities and their families. Students majoring in childhood education with special education are expected to have satisfied the foreign language requirement in high school.
Students must complete the following pedagogical courses: CBSE 2001, 2002, 3201, 3202, 3204, 3205, 3206, 3207, 3302, 3456, 3455, and 4201 (43 credits).
Students must also complete the following courses and their corequisites and prerequisites, for a total of eight credits:
In addition to fulfilling the Pathways requirements, students must complete special education course work within the department of School Psychology, Counseling, and Leadership (SPCL).
Students must complete the following courses: SPCL 3100, 3150, 3200, 3250, 3300, 3350, 3400, 3450, 3550, and 4000 (30 credits).
Each course must be completed with a grade of C or higher in all the courses in the program. Students must meet with a department adviser to declare their intention to complete this sequence.
Students must present a G.P.A. of at least 2.70 or higher based on a minimum of 30 credits in liberal arts and science courses for admission into the major. Each education course must be completed with a grade of C or higher. Students must present a GPA of at least 3.00 overall and a GPA of at least 3.00 in education courses prior to student teaching CBSE 4201.
An application process is required for student teaching. A completed application must be submitted and accepted a semester prior to the beginning of your student teaching placement. Only accepted students will be given permission to register for student teaching. Fingerprint clearance is required. Student teaching is 14 weeks in length, full-time, in an educational setting, and in alignment with the daily schedule and annual calendar of that educational setting.
All students accepted to the School of Education are required to submit fingerprint verification before signing up for most education classes. Fingerprint verification is required for work in New York City Department of Education schools if you already have fingerprint records or not. Follow these instructions.
Contact the Childhood, Bilingual, and Special Education Department for information on academic advisers and office hours.
Or contact:
222 West Quad Center 2900 Bedford Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11210 E: adminqry@brooklyn.cuny.edu
To make an appointment with an undergraduate admissions counselor, visit:
Virtual Admissions Counselor Appointments
Brooklyn College is an integral part of the cultural and artistic energy of New York City. Our faculty members in Childhood, Bilingual, and Special Education offer incomparable expertise and tremendous talent, and each brings a unique perspective to their teaching and mentoring in and out of the classroom.
As a student in the School of Education, you will complete internships in public and/or private schools throughout the New York City region. The internship is a 14-week, full-time, supervised experience designed to hone the requisite skills and knowledge to work as a childhood education teacher.
Request Info Visit Our Campus Apply Now