The Masters of Arts Program in Early Childhood Education will be accepting applications for Fall 2023! We are excited to welcome a new cohort to our newly revised program.
In the Early Childhood Education M.A. Program at Teachers College, Columbia University, students are prepared to skillfully address critical issues in early education through pedagogical, political, psychological, and sociological perspectives.
Our program offers both a full-time and part-time option. However, please note (in accordance with NYS guidelines), all students will be required to engage in one semester of full-time student teaching. Designed as a cohort model, anticipated duration for full-time students range from 1 ½ years (3 semesters + 2 summers) or 2 years (without summers).
Prioritizing theory in practice, our program at TC requires that students participate in several field experiences, which serve as the foundation from which to theorize about development, learning, and curriculum. By bringing together coursework and fieldwork, graduates are well-prepared to begin and continue to develop their professional identity and practice in research-informed ways. Many of our graduates have gone on to become early childhood practitioners, administrators, community organizers, school founders/leaders, authors, researchers, and professors.
Through a curriculum that integrates early childhood education, early childhood special education, and bilingual education content, the Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Education/Teaching Students with Disabilities- Dual Certification programs at TC prepare initial certification students to become outstanding early childhood teachers, early interventionists, early childhood special education professionals, decision makers, and leaders. Honoring the contextualized and situated nature of teaching and learning, the Master of Arts program emphasizes collaboration with families and other professionals and considers policies affecting young children with and without disability labels and their families.
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* Deadline for the 2023 application extended to May 1.
Course requirements for M.A. students seeking initial certification as early childhood teachers (birth–Grade 2):
Practicum
C&T 4308 Introduction to diverse early childhood classrooms (3)
C&T 4708 Student teaching in early childhood setting (4)
C&T 5118 Infant and toddler development and practice (3)
Foundations and Methods Courses
C&T 4003 Differentiation and inclusion in early childhood classrooms (3)
C&T 4080 Child development and intersectional identities (3)
C&T 4083 Home/school/community partnerships (3)
C&T 4112 Integrated curriculum in early childhood education: curricular inquiry and design (3)
C&T 4114 Integrated curriculum in early childhood education: diversity, equity, and technologies (3)
C&T 4131 Play, language, and early childhood curriculum (3)
C&T 4132 Language and teaching in the primary reading/writing classroom (3) or selected alternative
A&HM 4022 The artistic Lives of young children (2) or selected alternative
Out of Dept Elective (3)
Breadth Requirement
The requirement for most master’s programs that students take course work outside of their major programs. Also known as the Foundations Requirement. All M.A., M.S., and Ed.M. students must complete a minimum of 6 points out of program at TC. The advisor and student will determine how the points can be reached.
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.