Master of Arts
There are three initial certification programs in Early Childhood Education:
The course of study for the M.A. in Early Childhood Education (ECED-INIT) leads to initial certification in Early Childhood Education (birth-Grade 2). The course of study for the M.A. in Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE-INIT) leads to initial certification as a Teacher of Students with Disabilities, Early Childhood (birth-Grade 2).
Students must complete at least 40 points in order to obtain the Master of Arts degree and the department’s recommendation for initial certification.
The course of study in Dual Certification: Early Childhood Education/Early Childhood/Special Education (ECSE-DUAL) leads to initial certification as both an Early Childhood Education teacher and a Teacher of Students with Disabilities in Early Childhood (birth-8 years).
Students must complete at least 48 points in order to obtain the Master of Arts degree and the department’s recommendation for initial dual certification.
The Bilingual Extension may be added to the ECED-Initial and ECSE-Dual programs.
There is also the Early Childhood Education Non-Certification Program.
Students must complete at least 32 points in order to obtain the Master of Arts degree.
These programs prepare educators to work in preschools, schools, home and community settings. Our program is child-centered (from Birth-Grade 2) and dedicated to culturally relevant and multilingual practices. We focus on preparing early educators to support the development and learning of all young learners through a graduate curriculum that integrates early childhood education, early childhood special education, and bilingual education content. Our certification students become outstanding early childhood teachers, decision makers, and leaders. Our Non-certification students inquire into issues critical to the education and development of young children across settings.
Doctor of Education (Early Childhood Education)
D. in Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Special Education or Early Childhood Policy (90 credit)
Early Childhood Education
At the doctoral level, the specialization in Early Childhood Education prepares candidates for college teaching, research, policy, and other leadership positions in early childhood education. The program is highly selective, aiming to identify and train individuals whose prior education and experience, whether or not it has been specifically in the field of early childhood, gives promise of the ability to develop modes of inquiry suitable to the field’s complexities.
Early Childhood Policy
The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) concentration in Early Childhood Policy prepares candidates for leadership positions, college teaching, and research in early childhood policy. The concentration is highly selective, aiming to identify and train individuals whose prior education and experience, whether or not it has been specifically in the field of early childhood, gives promise of the ability to develop modes of inquiry suitable to the field’s complexities. Combining rigorous methodological, conceptual, and practical interdisciplinary experiences, the program is designed for those interested in shaping the policy agenda for young children and their families. It is predicated on the principle that undergirding all policy work, candidates must have thorough understandings of both substantive content (early childhood practices, pedagogy, and theory) and research skills. While the focus of this program is on U.S. early childhood policy, there will be opportunity for international and comparative work.
Early Childhood Special Education
The Department of Curriculum and Teaching offers a doctoral concentration in Early Childhood Special Education, within the Early Childhood Education specialization. This concentration prepares students for careers related to leadership and advocacy in the field, research and scholarship, and higher education and teacher preparation programs. Core courses emphasize theory and foundations in general and special early childhood education and research methods and training. Seminars and advanced practica focus on special topics in the field. Opportunities for involvement in faculty-sponsored research and professional development activities are an integral part of the program concentration.
Points/Credits: 40
Entry Terms: Summer/Fall
Certification:
Degree Requirements
Course requirements for M.A. students seeking initial certification as early childhood teachers (birth–Grade 2):
Core Courses
C&T 4080 Risk and resilience in early development (3)
C&T 4112 Integrated curriculum in early childhood education (6)
C&T 4708 Student teaching- infancy and early childhood (two terms) (6)
C&T 5118 Infant and toddler development and practice (3)
Methods Courses
A&HM 4022 The artistic lives of young children (2)
C&T 4131 Language and literacy in the early childhood curriculum (3)
C&T 4132 Learning and teaching in the primary reading/writing classroom (3)
HBSS 4116 Health education for teachers (1)
HUDK 4027 How children learn math (3) OR
MTSM 4057 Teaching & learning math in early childhood (3)
Foundation Courses
C&T 4001 Differentiating instruction in inclusive classrooms (2)
C&T 4114 Multicultural approaches to teaching young children (3)
C&T 4615 Young Children, Families and Social Policy (3) OR
C&T 4083 Working with families of young children with Disabilities (3)
Out of Dept. Elective (2)
Culminating Project:
Students complete an integrative portfolio over the course of the program reflecting their growth as an early childhood teacher.
New York State Education Department (NYSED) has teacher certification requirements that are needed for program completion and graduation which are listed in the Office of Teacher section of the catalog.
Points/Credits: 40
Entry Terms: Summer/Fall
Certification:
Degree Requirements
Course requirements for M.A. students seeking initial certification as teachers of students with disabilities in early childhood (birth–grade 2):
Core Courses
C&T 4080 Risk and resilience in early development (3)
C&T 4112 Integrated curriculum in early childhood (6)
C&T 4302 Supervised practicum in the educational assessment of young children with exceptionalities (3)
C&T 4708 Student teaching- infancy and early childhood (two terms) (6)
C&T 5118 Infant and toddler development and practice (3)
Methods Courses
A&HM 4022 The artistic lives of young children (2)
C&T 4131 Language and literacy in the early childhood curriculum (3)
C&T 4132 Learning and teaching in the primary reading/writing classroom (3)
HBSS 4116 Health education for teachers (1)
HUDK 4027 How children learn math (3) OR
MTSM 4057 Teaching & learning math in early childhood (3)
Foundation Courses
C&T 4001 Differentiating instruction in inclusive classrooms (2)
C&T 4615 Young children, families and social policy (3) OR
C&T 4083 Working with families of young children with disabilities (or equivalent) (3);
Out of Dept. Special education elective (2)
Culminating Project:
Students complete an integrative portfolio over the course of the program reflecting their growth as an early childhood teacher.
New York State Education Department (NYSED) has teacher certification requirements that are needed for program completion and graduation which are listed in the Office of Teacher Education section of the catalog.
Points/Credits: 32
Entry Terms: Fall Only
Certification:
Degree Requirements
Language and Literacy Methods
C&T 4131 Language and Literacy in the Early Childhood Curriculum (3) OR
C&T 4132 Reading and Writing in the Primary Classroom (3)
Child Development
C&T 4080 Risk and Resilience in Early Development (3) OR
C&T 4615 Young Children, Families, and Social Policy (3)
Equity in Early Childhood Education
C&T 4114 Multicultural Approaches to Early childhood Ed (3)
Additional Courses
a minimum of 12 additional points within the Department
at least 6 points outside of the Department
a minimum of 32 points total
Beyond the required courses (identified above), all other courses will be comprised of electives; that is, in consultation with and approval by the advisor. Students will undertake courses that help them develop an area of expertise.
This degree requires a thesis. C&T 5308 (for non-certification students) is highly recommended for students admitted in 2018-2019 and is required for students entering the program after spring 2019, as it supports the development of thesis components.
Points/Credits: 48
Entry Terms: Summer/Fall
Certification:
Degree Requirements
Course requirements for M.A. students seeking initial dual certification as both early childhood teachers and teachers of students with disabilities in early childhood (birth–Grade 2):
Core Courses
Methods Courses
Foundation Courses
Culminating Project:
Students complete an integrative portfolio over the course of the program reflecting their growth as an early childhood teacher.
New York State Education Department (NYSED) has teacher certification requirements that are needed for program completion and graduation which are listed in the Office of Teacher Education section of the catalog.
Points/Credits: 48
Entry Terms: Summer/Fall
Certification:
Degree Requirements
Course requirements for M.A. students seeking initial dual certification as both early childhood teachers and teachers of students with disabilities in early childhood (birth–Grade 2):
Core Courses
Methods Courses
Foundation Courses
Culminating Project:
Students complete an integrative portfolio over the course of the program reflecting their growth as an early childhood teacher.
New York State Education Department (NYSED) has teacher certification requirements that are needed for program completion and graduation which are listed in the Office of Teacher Education section of the catalog.
Points/Credits: 40
Entry Terms: Summer/Fall
Certification:
Degree Requirements
Course requirements for M.A. students seeking initial certification as early childhood teachers (birth–Grade 2):
Core Courses
Methods Courses
Foundation Courses
Culminating Project:
Students complete an integrative portfolio over the course of the program reflecting their growth as an early childhood teacher.
New York State Education Department (NYSED) has teacher certification requirements that are needed for program completion and graduation which are listed in the Office of Teacher section of the catalog.
Points/Credits: 90
Entry Terms: Fall Only
Degree Requirements
Early Childhood Education
At the doctoral level, the specialization in Early Childhood Education prepares candidates for college teaching, research, policy, and other leadership positions in early childhood education. The program is highly selective, aiming to identify and train individuals whose prior education and experience, whether or not it has been specifically in the field of early childhood, gives promise of the ability to develop modes of inquiry suitable to the field’s complexities.
Early Childhood Policy
The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) concentration in Early Childhood Policy prepares candidates for leadership positions, college teaching, and research in early childhood policy. The concentration is highly selective, aiming to identify and train individuals whose prior education and experience, whether or not it has been specifically in the field of early childhood, gives promise of the ability to develop modes of inquiry suitable to the field’s complexities. Combining rigorous methodological, conceptual, and practical interdis-ciplinary experiences, the program is designed for those interested in shaping the policy agenda for young children and their families. It is predicated on the principle that undergirding all policy work, candidates must have thorough understandings of both substantive content (early childhood practices, pedagogy, and theory) and research skills. While the focus of this program is on U.S. early childhood policy, there will be opportunity for international and comparative work.