Early Childhood Education
(PreK-2)
The graduate program in Early Childhood Education prepares candidates to become teachers of children in grades PreK-2.
This 36-credit graduate program leads to an initial license in early childhood education, providing teacher licensure for grades PreK-2. In addition to challenging and engaging coursework, students gain a rich and relevant preparation for teaching by participating in a full-time practicum in early childhood classrooms.
Completion of a teacher education program is one of the requirements for initial licensure from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Applicants will undergo a review to determine whether they can demonstrate subject-matter knowledge for an initial license in Early Childhood Education.
All students must contact their academic advisor to be cleared for registration in future semesters.
**This license concentration is available in the online program only.
Early Childhood Education Teacher Education Program (M.Ed.)
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Students who have completed an undergraduate teacher education program may waive course(s) from the graduate program with approval of their academic advisor. For instance, if a student received an endorsement for Sheltered English Instruction through their undergraduate program, or through a current school district, this course may be waived from the graduate program and an alternate elective selected with advisor approval.
Below is the suggested sequence of courses. Course work and program options are subject to change, and course sections may be added or cancelled during any semester based on enrollment.
EDU 5740 – Teaching and Learning in Inclusive Classrooms (4 cr) |
| EDU 5710 – Challenges in Learning and Development (4 cr) |
EDU 5750 – Introduction to Early Childhood Education (4 cr) |
| EDU 5370 – Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment in Early Childhood Reading and Language Arts (4 cr) |
| EDU 5380 – Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment in Early Childhood Math (4 cr) Co-requisite: EDU 6505 – Pre-Practicum (0 cr) |
| EDU 5300 – Teaching Early Childhood STEAM (4 cr) |
| EDU 5010 – Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment in Social Studies and World Geography (4 cr) |
EDU 5820 – Sheltered English Instruction (4 cr) |
EDU 6520 – Practicum for Early Childhood Education (PreK-2) (4 cr) |
PRACTICUM REQUIREMENTS
- Successful completion of the Communication & Literacy MTEL
- Online application of intent to the Field Placement office, with advisor approval
- Attendance at a practicum information session
- Successfully complete all required coursework for the program, and be in good academic standing in the graduate program (3.0 GPA)
MTEL REQUIREMENTS FOR INITIAL LICENSE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
- Communications & Literacy Skills (01): Reading and Writing subtests
- Early Childhood (02)
- Foundations of Reading (90)
Early Childhood Education - License Only
Candidates for the add-on license in Early Childhood Education will already possess an initial license in another area, and are interested in the additional coursework to add the Early Childhood (PreK-2) license to their credentials. *This is not a full master’s option, and is available in the online program only.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Suggested sequence of courses.
| EDU 5750 – Introduction to Early Childhood Education (4 cr) |
| EDU 5370 – Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment in Early Childhood Reading and Language Arts (4 cr) |
| EDU 5380 – Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment in Early Childhood Math (4 cr) |
| EDU 5300 – Teaching Early Childhood STEAM (4 cr) |
| EDU 5710 – Challenges in Learning and Development (4 cr) |
MTEL REQUIREMENTS FOR INITIAL LICENSE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
- Communications & Literacy Skills (01): Reading and Writing subtests
- Early Childhood (02)
- Foundations of Reading (90)
*Course work and program options are subject to change.
