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Where Inclusive Educators Are Made

The Childhood Inclusive Education / Special Education program at Fredonia prepares you for dual certification in Childhood Education (Grades 1–6) and Students with Disabilities (Grades 1–6)—a powerful combination that schools need now more than ever. If you want a career where you truly change lives, this program gives you the training, confidence, and real-world experience to meet the needs of every learner. From your first semester, you’ll be in classrooms, practicing the art and science of inclusive teaching under the guidance of expert faculty and skilled mentor teachers. And with Fredonia’s long-standing reputation as a leader in educator preparation, your degree becomes both a bold personal choice and a practical path to a strong, sustainable career.

What You’ll Gain

  • Dual Certification – Earn credentials in both Childhood Education and Students with Disabilities for maximum career flexibility.
  • Inclusive Teaching Expertise – Learn strategies to support diverse learners, including students with disabilities, multilingual students, and children in high-need districts.
  • Clinical Confidence – Build skills through four structured field experiences—including one placement specifically focused on special education needs.
  • Instructional Design Skills – Learn to plan, instruct, analyze pupil data, and adapt your teaching based on real classroom outcomes.
  • Strong Professional Identity – Develop as a reflective, responsive educator grounded in Fredonia’s Four Pillars: Knowledge, Pedagogy, Diversity, and Professionalism.
  • Career Preparation – Train in portfolio development, interviewing strategies, and recruitment processes that connect you with districts across New York and beyond.

Career Opportunities for Childhood Inclusive Education / Special Education

  • Assistant Principal
  • Early Childhood Educator
  • Elementary Educator
  • Instructional Coach
  • School Principal
  • Curriculum Specialist
  • Educational Program Director
  • District Administrator
  • Middle School educator
  • Special Education Teacher
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What does a 4-year degree look like?

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What are all the required and elective courses offered to obtain this degree?

EDU 355 Assessment & Instruction of Students with Learning & Behavior Disorders in Inclusive Ed Settings

Critical examination of students with special needs in inclusive educational settings with an emphasis on the connections between core curriculum, ongoing assessment, and varied instructional strategies.

EDU 349 Educational Psychology

Areas of psychology utilized in the teaching and learning processes. Analyzing and interpreting scientific data related to individual differences, growth, learning, group processes, systematic assessment, measurement, and evaluation.

EDU 250 Introduction to the Exceptional Learner

Introductory survey of nature, needs, and education of children who are exceptional because of intelligence, behavioral disorders, and/or physical development.

Why Childhood Inclusive Education / Special Education at Fredonia?

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AAQEP National Accreditation

Fredonia is accredited by AAQEP, ensuring your degree meets nationally recognized standards for excellence in educator preparation.

Fredonia student teaching in a classroom during their field experience

Hamburg Internship Program

This long-standing program creates a direct pipeline to student teaching and employment opportunities in a respected local district.

Fredonia student working in a local field experience

Regional School Partnerships

Fredonia collaborates closely with regional P–12 districts and BOCES through a robust P–16 partnership network, providing diverse placements and mentoring experiences.

Student Experiences

Fredonia has prepared me to be a teacher that is passionate about meeting the specific needs of all of my students. Not only have they prepared me to be an inclusive educator, but I am also on the path to being a Literacy Specialist.

— Samantha Valvo

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