Early Childhood Special Education
Assistive Technology Project
UNH Program of Study in Disability
About the Program
Research shows assistive technology has the potential to promote learning,
development, communication, and participation of young children with disabilities in
social and classroom settings by allowing greater independence in daily life. The ECSEAT project provides professional preparation in early childhood special education
and assistive technology using an interdisciplinary approach.
The University of New Hampshire Department of Education will distribute
educational awards funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education to
40 graduate students. This funding supports study toward a master degree in early
childhood education: special needs, NH teacher certification in early childhood
special education and a graduate certificate in assistive technology.
The curriculum promotes hands-on learning in community settings by partnering
with local schools and agencies to integrate the iPad as a teaching tool with young
children. EC-SEAT Scholars are linked with community mentors to support the
learning and AT needs of young children Birth to 3rd grade. EC-SEAT scholars are
prepared to become highly skilled evidence-based special educators and practitioners
for early childhood centers, early intervention centers, and elementary schools
serving children with special needs.
Who Should Apply
The program is designed for individuals who are at various stages of professional
education, enrolled in the M.Ed. in Early Childhood Special Needs Option at
the University of New Hampshire, with high priority given to applicants from
underrepresented groups, including:
• Students from social, cultural, and racial minorities
• Self-advocates and/or family members of individuals with special needs
• Practicing professionals who are interested in learning more about supporting the
educational needs of young children with special needs and their families
Pre-Requisites
Interested students must have:
• A bachelor’s degree, an upper-level course in childhood development, and 200
hours of supervised work with children in order to be considered.
• Students must apply and be accepted into the UNH Graduate School’s master’s in
Early Childhood Special Needs Option.”
Institute on Disability/UCED
Visit the EC-SEAT
blog:
ecseat.blogspot.com
10 West Edge Drive, Suite 101 | Durham, NH 03824
603.862.4320 | Relay: 711 | Fax: 603.862.0555
contact.iod@unh.edu | iod.unh.edu
Program Requirements
A sample full-time schedule of course offerings is depicted below. Courses with an asterisk (*) may be waived
through transcript evaluation, reducing the requirements to 44 credits. Courses are typically taught after 4pm
with some online, so enrollment is feasible for practicing professionals and full or part-time students.
Fall
J-Term
• iPad Support
Year 1 • Diversity and Child
Development (4cr)
for Children
• Inclusive Curriculum
Disabilities (3cr)
for Young Children
(4cr)
• Introduction to Young
Children with Special
Needs (4cr)
Year 2 • Internship and
Seminar in Early
Childhood Education
(3cr)
• Teaching Social
Studies (2cr)*
• Assistive Technology
and Sensory,
Communicative, and
Cognitive Disabilities
(4cr)
• Math with
Technology in
Early Education
(2cr)*
Spring
Summer
• Sociocultural
• Supporting
Perspectives on
Families of
Teaching and
Individuals with
Learning (4cr)
Exceptionalities
• Curriculum for Young
(4cr)
Children with Special • Assistive
Needs: Evaluation and
Technology (4cr)
Program Design (4cr)
• Intro to Teaching
Reading (4cr)*
• Internship and
Seminar in Early
Childhood Education
(3cr)
• Teaching Science
(2cr)*
• Leadership and
Advocacy in Early
Childhood Education
(4cr)
• Comprehensive
Exams
Financial Aid
EC-SEAT scholars will receive a $20,000 educational award and an iPad for coursework and teaching (funded by
the U.S. Department of Education). EC-SEAT Scholars commit to working in early childhood special education
2 years for every one year of funding. Typical service obligation is 2 years.
How to Apply
If you meet the criteria above and are interested in applying, contact program coordinator. Applications will be
accepted anytime and admissions decisions made promptly on a rolling basis.
Carrie Portrie, M.Ed
EC-SEAT Program Coordinator
UNH Education Department | Morrill Hall, Room 6 | Durham, NH 03824
603.862-2676 | clw75@wildcats.unh.edu
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