Early Childhood Education, M.Ed.

Program Description

The M.Ed in Early Childhood Education program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to be an effective provider for young children, engaging them in learning experiences which influence future educational opportunities. In this program, students will explore research that establishes the frameworks for creating supportive environments, selecting age-appropriate strategies, and building relationships between school and families. The coursework emphasizes how developmental standards guide assessments and instructional practices for young children.

Program Outcomes

1. Design curriculum and instructional practices to promote growth and development across physical, cognitive, social, and emotional domains of development. (AO1)
2. Apply developmental theory, standards, frameworks, and concepts to design curriculum that meets the individual developmental needs of children across content areas. (AO1)
3. Establish a developmentally appropriate learning environment by using evidenced-based practices, resources, and technology to support learning needs through intellectual processes and social interaction. (AO4)
4. Construct a framework for establishing and maintaining communicative, collaborative partnerships between the school, family, and community by advocating a consistent learning environment for young children. (AO2)
5. Conduct research to understand the issues facing young children and early childhood programs by analyzing and evaluating instructional practices and data from local, national, and international contexts. (AO3)
6. Support continuous learning while fostering leadership skills through intentionally designed opportunities to engage in professional development. (AO5)

The mission of the Master of Education in Early Childhood Education is to provide educators with knowledge and skills to be an effective educator of young children, engaging them in developmentally appropriate learning experiences that support the child’s growth social/emotionally, physically and academically.