Special Education, Concentration in Early Childhood Special Education

The Master in Special Education, Concentration in Early Childhood Special Education is a joint programme between the University of Geneva and the Vaud Canton Teacher Training College. It offers basic training on how to provide preventative and educational support to children between the ages 0 to 6 whose development is jeopardised, altered or impaired and intervene accordingly in family and social settings. The programme offers solid theoretical and practical training through a range of core courses in special education as well as psychology, medicine, sociology and law components relevant to early childhood special education.

The curriculum is designed to address the challenges of early childhood special education, primarily through the earliest possible intervention with children and their families as a means of prevention and social inclusion; comprehensive analysis of the context of each individual situation; an interdisciplinary approach; a network system primarily focused on working with families; and a solid theoretical background that allows students to assess institutional and individual projects, the methods employed and the criteria for evaluating implemented measures.

Programme length

1.5 years (3 semesters)

Language of instruction

French

Passive knowledge of English is required.

Study Programme

3 semesters (max. 6 semesters) | 90 ECTS credits

Theory (18 credits)

Inclusive education
Parent-professional cooperation
Early childhood education and atypical development

Practice (21 credits)

Internship focused on the child and its family
Internship focused on child and community
Application and use of approved assessment and intervention methods

Capstone Seminars (12 credits)

Professional Identity and Networks
Around Birth
Specific Educational Situations
Further Studies in Early Childhood Special Education

Research preparation (15 credits)

Dissertation (24 credits)

Conditions of registration

www.unige.ch/conditions/MA

Admission Conditions

This course is open to candidates who fulfil the general admission requirements of the University of Geneva and the HEP Vaud. Candidates must hold an ordinary pre-school and primary school teaching diploma (Bachelor's level) or a BA in Speech Therapy or Psychomotricity. Access is also available to candidates with a Bachelor's degree in a related field of study, in particular Educational Sciences, Social Education, Special Education, Psychology or Occupational Therapy, on condition that they take supplementary study courses. Candidates must also show that they have a minimum of 300 hours of professional experience in the children-family or children-community domain with children from 0 to 8 years old.

Prospective students may apply to the Vaud Canton Teacher Training College.

Merit-based admission.

Support children within at home or in early childhood care facilities;
Work with parents or other people involved in the education of these children to assess their development and to define and achieve a number of support and education goals;
Detect the factors that limit or jeopardise children's development early on.

The diploma is a protected professional degree that enable graduates to practise in Switzerland.