

The Specialized Master in Early Childhood Education and Teaching Students with Disabilities and Bilingual Extension is a one year full time on campus program designed for educators seeking advanced skills in teaching young children with diverse learning needs in multilingual environments. The curriculum integrates early childhood pedagogy, special education strategies, bilingual instruction, and applied research to provide a comprehensive understanding of inclusive and language rich teaching practices. Through this program, students develop specialized teaching skills, bilingual education expertise, inclusive classroom competencies, and research application abilities, preparing them to create effective, adaptive, and culturally responsive learning environments for young learners.
This program offers an interactive and hands on learning environment where lectures, workshops, case studies, and practical teaching projects allow students to apply inclusive and bilingual education principles in real world classroom settings. Students refine curriculum design techniques, behavior management strategies, language acquisition methods, and assessment skills through applied projects and classroom practicum experiences. Graduates are prepared to work in early childhood education centers, special education programs, bilingual schools, and educational consulting agencies, equipping them to design and implement inclusive curricula, support children with disabilities, and promote language development effectively in diverse learning contexts.
Semester 1 – Foundations in Early Childhood and Inclusive Education
• Introduction to Early Childhood Education
• Special Education Strategies for Young Learners
• Bilingual Teaching Methods
• Research Methods in Education
Semester 2 – Advanced Practice and Applied Teaching
• Curriculum Design for Inclusive Classrooms
• Language Development and Multicultural Instruction
• Seminar in Inclusive and Bilingual Education
• Applied Teaching Practicum
Graduates of this program are prepared for careers in early childhood education, special education, bilingual teaching, curriculum design, and educational consulting. Career paths include early childhood educator, special education teacher, bilingual program coordinator, curriculum specialist, and educational consultant. Graduates are equipped to design and implement inclusive and bilingual curricula, assess and support children with diverse learning needs, and lead instructional programs in early learning settings. The program also prepares learners for leadership roles in schools, educational institutions, and consulting organizations, enabling them to enhance learning outcomes for children in inclusive and multilingual educational environments.
Students choose this program because it combines early childhood education, inclusive teaching, bilingual instruction, and practical classroom experience within a one year intensive framework. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical foundations and hands on application, allowing learners to acquire the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to teach young children with disabilities effectively while supporting bilingual language development. Graduates gain the expertise and practical experience to advance their careers in education, make meaningful contributions to inclusive learning environments, and implement evidence based teaching strategies that foster academic and social growth.
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 212 854 1754
Email: admissions@columbia.edu
Address: University of Columbia, Admissions Office, New York, NY, United States