The Master of Education (Ed.M.) with an Early Childhood Policy concentration is designed to give students a firm grounding in early childhood pedagogy, programs, and practice as well as in policy analysis and policy making related to young children and their families. Students will combine theoretical knowledge with practice in the policy field; they will also become familiar with an array of policy issues impacting con-temporary child and family life. While the focus of this work is on U.S. policy, there will be opportunity for international and comparative work as well.
The basic curriculum for the Early Childhood Education Policy Concentration consists of three course categories which include:
A total of 45 points that must be taken at Teachers College. First, a set of courses in Curriculum and Teaching will provide the foundation for early childhood pedagogy and practice (15 points). Second, courses in Human Development will provide analytic policy training and focus (15 points). A third set of course options (15 points) is selected in consultation with an advisor.
Departmental Requirements:
• C&T 4005 Principles of teaching and learning (3)
• C&T 4113 Early childhood methods and programs (3)
• C&T 4121 Early childhood teaching strategies within a social context (3)
• C&T 5513 Seminar in early childhood education I (3)
• C&T 5514 Seminar in early childhood education II (3) or
• C&T 6502 Studies in curriculum and teaching (3)
Policy Concentration Requirements:
• HUDF 4000 Education and public policy (3)
• HUDF 5645 Policy seminar I (3)
• HUDF 5646 Policy seminar II (3)
• HUDM 4122 Probability and statistical inference (3) or
• C&T 5502 Introduction to qualitative research in curriculum and teaching (3)
• C&T 6408 Advanced internship: Infancy and early childhood (3)
Electives:
Beyond the core courses, students’ programs are individually planned with their advisors, based on their professional goals and interests.