The dual Early Elementary/Special Education major is designed to facilitate an understanding and appreciation of the individual differences that exist in today’s special and general educational settings. In an era of increasing diversity and inclusionary practices, it is imperative that prospective teachers gain knowledge and skill about students with special needs and English Language Learners so that, as teachers, they can promote a highly effective instructional environment. This degree prepares students for professional teacher certification in both general education (PreK-grade 4) and special education (PreK-grade 12).
Requirements for Graduation:
To be eligible for graduation, students majoring in Early Elementary/Special Education must complete a minimum of 128 credits, achieve a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher, satisfy the College’s residency requirements, and complete the General Education Requirements of the College. A minimum grade of 2.0 is required for First Year Seminar and all courses taken as part of Foundations. Courses used to complete the General Education Requirements may not be taken on a pass/fail basis. A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 is required to student teach and to obtain Pennsylvania teaching certification.
The General Education Requirements of the college require students to successfully complete First Year Seminar, Foundations (FCO 103 will be a required co-requisite with FCO 105 for students who have a high school GPA below 3.20), Disciplinary Perspectives, and a Constellation. Students who enter the college with 30 credit hours completed will not take a First Year Seminar course and therefore must take an additional 3 credits for graduation. Transfer students that are awarded 60 or more credits upon acceptance to York College will not be required to complete a Constellation. However, all Education majors are required to take courses found in the Children and Family Constellation as part of their teaching certification requirements. For Early Elementary/Special Education majors these include PSY223, SPE200, SPE270, and a course that is required in the major (EDU225).
In addition, students majoring in Early Elementary/Special Education must achieve a grade of 3.0 or higher in each of the following six courses- ECH201, ECH220, EDU260, FCO105, MAT115 and MAT150 and demonstrate satisfactory progress on identified professional and personal dispositions. Moreover, a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 must be achieved in order to student teach. Students seeking certification in Early Elementary/Special Education will be required to have a minimum of 190 hours of Field Experience prior to the Student Teaching Semester and meet specific Certification Requirements listed in the Department of Education.
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