Help me choose a focus for my MA in Early Childhood Education!

[Anonymous]

I'm on the path to a Master's in Early Childhood (Birth-8) Education. I need to narrow my focus/create a concentration.

For background, I have 2 ASD children. I spent years as a nanny, then became a classroom teacher. I've taught preschool, kindergarten (TAG and regular), and first grade.

I'm interested in a lot of aspects of education, but I have a special affection for 2e ("Twice Exceptional") kids. Even before I had a couple of my own, I was the teacher who was given the "quirky" kids, because I could appreciate and "handle" them well.

I will probably go back to classroom teaching, but I'm open to taking on other roles.

Please help me brainstorm-- what sort of focus do I seem suited for? What kind of focus do you see missing at schools? What kind of "specialist" do you wish was available? What do you wish your kids' teachers knew more about?

Suggestions and deep thoughts welcome and appreciated.

[Anonymous]

Honestly, I would informationally interview teachers at some of the SN schools in this area.

[Anonymous]

No - talk to administrators of those schools. They know what type of specialists they need the most, and can;t find.

[Anonymous]

OP again. I have talked to teachers and administration, but I was hoping to hear some parent opinions.

[Anonymous]

A general degree in Special Education is very versatile and can be used in many facets. Many regular educators don't have a background at all in special needs. If you have a bachelors in education and were to start working at a school, many districts give funding for those getting a masters in Special Ed. or have loan forgiveness programs. Also, it would give you options to work in a variety of classrooms or even with younger kids through Infants and Toddlers/Early Education.

[Anonymous]

One of my kids has a language/communication disorder (definitively not ASD). One of the things we've struggled with is getting the school to understand language based learning disabilities. We've worked extensively with a consultant and have been very frustrated. Language is such a foundational skill and hits every element of education. I wish they had a better understanding of it.