Concentration in Early Childhood Education

early childhood activities

Program Description

This concentration is for:

  1. Early care providers who teach in private programs and would like to increase their knowledge base and professional skills with a MA degree to become an administrator.
  2. Elementary education certified teachers who would like to earn the ZS (Early Childhood General and Special Education) endorsement along with a MA degree.

Students working toward the state ZS endorsement must meet three requirements:

  • Completion of a total of 27 graduate credits, 15 credits (5 classes) of which must be early childhood courses.
  • Professional experience at two of three early childhood levels (infants/toddler, preschool, kindergarten-grade 3).
  • Passing grade on the state-level examination.

Program Requirements

Foundation of Practice (12-15 hours)

  • ES 6330—Education and Human Flourishing Credits: 3 hours
  • ES 6340—Culture and Politics of Educational Institutions Credits: 3 hours
  • ED 6010—Introduction to Research in Educational Settings Credits: 3 hours

Select either:

  • ED 6790—Capstone Research Project Credits: 3 hours

Or

  • ED 7000—Master's Thesis Credits: 6 hours

Area of Specialization (18 hours)

  • ED 6060—Early Childhood Education Methods and Materials Credits: 3 hours
  • ED 6080—Seminar in Early Childhood Development Credits: 3 hours
  • ED 6140—Engaging Diverse Families in Educational Settings Credits: 3 hours
  • ED 6110—Assessment in Early Childhood Inclusive Education Credits: 3 hours

Electives (6 hours)

  • LS 5160—Professional Symposium in Reading Credits: 3 hours
  • ED 5750—Administration of Child Development Centers Credits: 3 hours

Click here for planned course rotation

Contact

For more information, please contact Dr. Andrea Smith.