Advanced Professional Certificate in Special Education
Online Program

Leads to endorsement in multiple states

The 24-credit Lesley University Advanced Professional Certificate in Special Education is designed for certified teachers seeking to develop their knowledge and skills in the field of special education.  Delivered fully online, the program addresses all Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) standards for teachers of students with mild to moderate exceptional learning needs. Anchored in theory and research, the program provides teachers with an understanding of evidence-based classroom practices, use of new technologies, legal and ethical issues, individualized and differentiated instruction, effective Individualized Education Program (IEP) development, and culturally and developmentally responsive approaches to diverse learners. The program may be used on its own or as a specialization to fulfill some of the coursework requirements of the M.Ed. Individually Designed Program for Educators.

Please note: In certain states, a teacher may receive an endorsement/second license by completing Lesley's 24-credit Advanced Professional Certificate in Special Education Program. It is important to check with your state teacher certification office, as additional steps may be necessary in order to meet state requirements. For more information on this process, please visit the endorsements and licensure state pages at the National Center for Teachers, Counselors, and School Leaders.

Program Prerequisite: Teaching license or certificate in early childhood, elementary, middle, or high school education

*See course descriptions for prerequisites.

ESPED 6136 Foundations of Special Education
This course examines the characteristics of individuals with exceptional learning needs, the effects of societal attitudes, and the historical context of special education. It provides an overview of special education state and federal law and the range of service delivery provided by schools and agencies. 

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ESPED 6133  Positive Behavior Support for Diverse Classrooms
This course is designed to help teachers create classrooms in which all students will learn and flourish. The course moves from setting up and managing an effective classroom (universal preventative strategies), to designing curricular, instructional, and behavioral strategies and supports (supportive strategies), to addressing academic and behavioral challenges and problems (corrective strategies). The needs of various student populations, including English Language Learners, Special Education students, and students of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, will be addressed. The course will involve class meetings, online work, and classroom research. Prerequisite: ESPED 6136 Foundations of Special Education or permission of instructor

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ESPED 6137 Language and Communication: Development and Disorders
This course examines language acquisition and development from birth through adolescence. Typical and atypical language development, as well as first and second language acquisition and development, will be addressed.  Focus is on the neurological basis of communication, developmental milestones, verbal and nonverbal communication, and language diversity as differentiated from disorder. Connections between culture and communication, language delays, and communication disorders as displayed in both high-incidence disabilities (e.g., learning disabilities) and low-incidence disabilities (e.g., Autism Spectrum Disorders) will be studied. Appropriate teaching strategies and assistive technologies will be examined. Prerequisite: ESPED 6136 Foundations of Special Education or permission of instructor

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ESPED 6138 Instructional Planning for Students with Disabilities
Using state curriculum standards and evidence-based approaches, course participants will develop individualized instructional strategies and curricular adaptations based on individual need and designed to support development of academic skills and access to the general education curriculum. Course emphasis will be on literacy, brain research-based teaching and learning, executive functioning, and learning strategy instruction. Prerequisite: ESPED 6136 Foundations of Special Education or permission of instructor

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ESPED 6139 Adaptations in Math and Science
This course focuses on the mathematics and science learning strengths and needs of students with disabilities in grades Pre-K through 12.  National, state, and local frameworks and standards will be used in unit and lesson planning.  Class participants will learn to analyze math and science tasks, to design and modify classroom experiences through the use of technology and other tools and to support learning and address individual needs as specified by the I.E.P. Prerequisite: ESPED 6136 Foundations of Special Education or permission of instructor

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ESPED 6140 Assessment for Students with Disabilities
Assessment and monitoring of student progress using a variety of instruments is the basis of this course. Teachers learn to select, construct, use, and interpret non-discriminatory and developmentally appropriate assessments relevant for diverse students with a range of disabilities. The dissemination of assessment data for to professionals and parents is addressed. Prerequisite: ESPED 6136 Foundations of Special Education or permission of instructor

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ESPED 6141 Development and Implementation of Individualized Education Programs
This course will focus on the Individual Education Program (IEP) process from referral to eligibility determination and placement, including legal rights and responsibilities.  Based upon interpretation of case study assessment results, students will develop legally and educationally appropriate IEPs to meet identified needs and recommend appropriate accommodations, modifications, and specialized instruction. The roles and responsibilities of various education professionals and family members with regard to implementation, collaboration, documentation and progress reporting will be explored. Prerequisite: ESPED 6136 Foundations of Special Education or permission of instructor

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ESPED 6142 Collaboration and Consultation in Special Education
Special educators must collaborate with families, other educators, related service providers, and representatives of community agencies in culturally responsive ways. Emphasis in this course is placed on the development of effective interpersonal skills and strategies that promote effective collaboration. Consultation models will be examined. Prerequisite: ESPED 6136 Foundations of Special Education or permission of instructor

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