MASTER OF EDUCATION (leading to Professional Licensure)
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION (PreK-2)

This program provides information and knowledge about young children (ages 2.9 through 8 years) in various school settings. The focus of the program is on the issues and concerns about young children, developmental learning models, current research, parent education and the policies of local, state and federal programs affecting the education of young children with and without special needs. This program is recommended for students who seek Professional Licensure in Early Childhood Education.

Prerequisites:

1. A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university;
2. Initial or Professional (Standard) Massachusetts certification in Early Childhood. Students without the appropriate certificate may work toward the initial license and apply up to six semester hours of graduate work toward the master's degree.
3. An introductory course in Special Education;
4. An introductory course in Computer Applications.

Requirements:

Common Standards Coursework (9 s.h.)
EDUC 0502 Instructional Practices: Materials and Classroom Procedures
EDUC 0513 Evaluation Techniques in Education
EDUC 0633 Social Cultural Theories: Foundations of Education

Standard I (15 s.h.)
EDUC 0510 Seminar: Teaching Designs in Early Childhood EDUC 0643 Issues and Concerns About the Young Child's Needs EDUC 0642 The Influence of Play Upon Young Children EDUC 0661 Storytelling and Literature for the Very Young Child EDUC 0570 Speech and Language Problems of Students with Special Needs

Other Required courses: (9 s.h.)
EDUC 0632 Research in Education (Research project required) EDUC 0662 Innovative Practices in Teaching Reading EDUC 0692 Programming for Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers with Special Needs

Requirements for Master's Degree: 33 s.h.

Students are required to successfully complete a written comprehensive examination to demonstrate mastery of knowledge gained in coursework and to relate concepts across the curriculum. The comprehensive exam may be taken after completing all required courses and a minimum of 27 s.h. of coursework within the Master's program.