Better diagnostic tests for identifying students with learning and other developmental problems are boosting the number of first through sixth-grade students receiving special education assistance.These developments - and the passage of legislation mandating that schools serve children with special needs - have led to a growing demand for childhood special education teachers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts that employment of special education teachers for grades one through six will rise by 17 percent by 2018, especially in inner-city and rural area schools.You can prepare for these opportunities through the 144-145-credit Bachelor of Science Degree in Childhood Education and Special Education (Grades 1-6) Degree Program at St. John's. Offered by The School of Education, the program is accredited by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC). Students who complete the program also receive New York State Teachers' Licenses in Childhood and Special Education.