Master of Education in Birth through Kindergarten Education

Program Overview

The Master of Education in Birth through Kindergarten Education program prepares licensed teachers to advance their professional development and pursue National Board Certification. Through a cohort-based approach, students gain expertise in assessment, curriculum, family engagement, and leadership, equipping them for careers in early childhood education, including teaching, curriculum development, and advocacy.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Master of Education in Birth through Kindergarten Education program is designed for licensed teachers who wish to earn a master's license, further their professional development, and pursue National Board Certification. The program is designed to be completed in 18 months, with a full summer schedule of classes. Students can also transfer for up to 9 grad credits.

Objectives:

• To provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to be effective teachers of young children
• To develop students' understanding of child development and learning
• To prepare students to work with diverse populations of children and families
• To instill in students a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development

Program Description:

The Birth through Kindergarten Education program is a cohort-based program that combines face-to-face and online instruction. The program is designed around the following four pillars:

• Assessment: Students will learn how to assess young children's learning and development using a variety of methods, including observation, portfolios, and standardized tests.
• Curriculum and Instruction: Students will learn how to develop and implement age-appropriate curriculum and instruction that meets the needs of all learners.
• Family and Community Engagement: Students will learn how to build strong partnerships with families and communities to support children's learning.
• Leadership and Advocacy: Students will learn how to lead and advocate for young children and their families at the local, state, and national levels.

Outline:

The Birth through Kindergarten Education program consists of 30 credit hours of coursework. The coursework is divided into three main areas:

• Professional Studies (12 credit hours): This coursework provides students with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to be effective teachers.
Courses include:
• Introduction to Educational Research
• School, Community, and Family Collaboration
• Current Issues in Education
• Teacher as Researcher: Research Implementation in Special Education
• Specialty Studies (12 credit hours): This coursework provides students with the specialized knowledge and skills necessary to work with young children.
Courses include:
• Advanced Studies in Curriculum Theory for Early Childhood Settings
• Analysis and Design of Early Childhood Environments
• Leadership and Advocacy in Early Childhood Education
• Exceptionality, Diversity and Difference
• Electives (6 credit hours): Students can choose two elective graduate courses (5000- or 6000-level) in areas outside of the major to complete degree requirements.

Assessment:

Students in the Birth through Kindergarten Education program are assessed through a variety of methods, including:

• Exams: Students will take exams to assess their knowledge and understanding of the course content.
• Projects: Students will complete projects to demonstrate their ability to apply their learning to real-world situations.
• Portfolios: Students will develop portfolios to showcase their work and progress throughout the program.
• Presentations: Students will give presentations to share their research and ideas with their peers and instructors.

Teaching:

The Birth through Kindergarten Education program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are dedicated to providing students with a high-quality learning experience. The faculty use a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures: Faculty members will deliver lectures to provide students with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to be effective teachers.
• Discussions: Faculty members will lead discussions to encourage students to share their ideas and perspectives.
• Group Projects: Faculty members will assign group projects to give students the opportunity to work together and learn from each other.
• Field Experiences: Faculty members will arrange field experiences to provide students with the opportunity to observe and work with young children in a variety of settings.

Careers:

Graduates of the Birth through Kindergarten Education program are prepared for a variety of careers in the field of early childhood education. Program graduates can work as:

• Teachers: Graduates can work as teachers in preschools, kindergartens, and other early childhood settings.
• Curriculum Developers: Graduates can develop curriculum for early childhood programs.
• Educational Consultants: Graduates can work as educational consultants to provide support to early childhood programs and families.
• Policymakers: Graduates can work as policymakers to advocate for young children and their families at the local, state, and national levels.