The philosophy of all Simmons graduate programs in special education is grounded in the principles of inclusion – that all individuals can learn and that they have the right to do so in a classroom within their own community and with learners their own age.

Simmons programs in special education offer a pedagogical approach supporting the participation of learners with special needs in general education classrooms, the community, and the workplace.  Simmons trains specialists to create and implement changes in school systems so that communities are able and willing to teach learners with special needs in local public schools and state-approved private schools.

The licensure programs provide the skills and strategies to work with learners with moderate disabilities (PreK-8 or 5-12) or severe disabilities (PreK-12). The programs consist of a minimum of 44-48 credits of coursework and require a full-year practicum. Simmons has established practicum experiences in several local communities in order to provide students with the best clinical experience available. The program can be completed on a full or part-time basis. The full time sequence of courses incorporates two semesters of coursework and a summer component during year one. During year two, students take coursework and fulfill practicum requirements.