Early Childhood & Early Childhood Special Education Dual Certification
Advance your career with one of the most in-demand certifications in education.
![Teacher talking to child](/sites/default/files/styles/editor_small/public/2021-04/early-childhood-ed_660x440.jpg?itok=344Xy-du)
Flexible schedule. Online classes. Dual certification.
Our fully online Certificate of Graduate Studies (CGS) in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education (ECE/ECSE) is designed for busy working professionals and provides dual certification in just 18 months.
In-Demand Careers
With certificates in both early childhood education and special education, you’ll open doors to a range of career opportunities in schools, early intervention programs, and educational organizations.
Why ECE/ECSE? | Why Our Program?
- ECE/ECSE is one of the most high-need certifications in education nationwide.
- Program design fits the needs of individuals working full-time and raising a family and can be completed in just 18 months (four consecutive semesters).
- In many cases, CGS candidates can complete required clinical placement hours in their place of employment.
- Candidates will study under faculty who are current ECE/ECSE practitioners in our state-of-the-art facilities at recently renovated Horace Mann Hall.
- Curriculum meets the requirement of program enrollment for individuals on emergency certifications.
Our Department of Elementary Education Faculty
![Karen Capraro](/sites/default/files/styles/width_260/public/2024-09/240821_headshot_karen_capraro_002.jpg?itok=VjHNu8qe)
Dr. Karen L. Capraro
- Professor
![Natasha Feinberg](/sites/default/files/styles/width_260/public/2024-09/240821_headshot_natasha_feinberg.jpg?itok=O3fesxvA)
Dr. Natasha J. Feinberg
- Associate Professor
![Anne Goodrow](/sites/default/files/styles/width_260/public/2023-03/anne-goodrow-360x460.jpg?itok=sSd-ZbZ_)
Dr. Anne M. Goodrow
- Professor
![Nandita Gurjar](/sites/default/files/styles/width_260/public/2023-03/nandita-gurjar-360x460.jpg?itok=rO3Ob9l2)
Dr. Nandita Gurjar
- Assistant Professor
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Dr. Martha E. Horn
- Professor Emerita
![](/themes/custom/ric/assets/img/profile_placeholder.jpg)
Dr. Maria E. Lawrence
- Professor
![Carolyn Obel-Omia](/sites/default/files/styles/width_260/public/2024-08/carolyn-obel-omia-360x460.jpg?itok=ChKuOeIt)
Dr. Carolyn H. Obel-Omia
- Associate Professor
![Leslie Sevey](/sites/default/files/styles/width_260/public/2024-09/240821_headshot_leslie_sevey_005.jpg?itok=E9YzzmCC)
Dr. Leslie A. Sevey
- Professor
![](/themes/custom/ric/assets/img/profile_placeholder.jpg)
Dr. Susan Marie Zoll
- Adjunct Faculty I
Our Department of Special Education Faculty
![Kelly Acosta](/sites/default/files/styles/width_260/public/2023-05/Kelly-Acosta-360x460.jpg?itok=5f3KTCM3)
Dr. Kelly A. Acosta
- Assistant Professor
![Ying Hui-Michael](/sites/default/files/styles/width_260/public/2023-09/230823_ying_hui_003-360x460.jpg?itok=mvNv84UB)
Dr. Ying Hui
- Professor
![Paul Lacava](/sites/default/files/styles/width_260/public/2022-11/221003_paul_lacava_001.jpg?itok=2OvKfGPV)
Dr. Paul G. LaCava
- Professor
![Marie Lynch](/sites/default/files/styles/width_260/public/2023-02/marie-lynch-360x460.jpg?itok=578dBal2)
Dr. Marie A. Lynch
- Professor
![](/themes/custom/ric/assets/img/profile_placeholder.jpg)
Dr. Cara McDermott-Fasy
- Professor
![](/themes/custom/ric/assets/img/profile_placeholder.jpg)
Mrs. Jeanne S. Morris
- Higher Education Administrative Assistant II
Hear from Our Students
![Woman at laptop on zoom call with nine people](/sites/default/files/styles/width_360/public/2024-07/820x530px-woman-at-laptop-on-zoom-call-with-9-people.jpg?itok=4bJB0AWg)
Nicole B.
"Being a working mom, this program has enabled me to work when I can at my pace and accomplish my goals."
Persevering and Passionate
![Jacqueline Posing](/sites/default/files/styles/width_740/public/2024-05/jacqueline-lawson-1_1900x924.jpg?itok=9TswCWmV)
“I hope my story encourages all young people to attend school and keep on going,” says Jacqueline Lawson.
![Rhode Island College entrance](/themes/custom/ric/assets/img/contact-feature/RIC_Campus_Entrance-320.jpg)
Take the Next Step!
Feinstein School of Education and Human Development
The Feinstein School administers and coordinates all professional education programs at Rhode Island College. We offer a range of programs, including early childhood, pre-K-12, counseling, school psychology, youth development and health and wellness.
- phone401-456-8110
- placeHorace Mann Hall 241