Curriculum and Instruction (Early Childhood Education), MEd
Program Overview
Arizona State University's M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Early Childhood Education prepares individuals to meet the educational, social, and emotional needs of children from birth through age 8 or grade 3. This fully online program equips students with specialized skills and advanced knowledge in early childhood pedagogy, community collaboration, technology, administration, policy analysis, and advocacy. Graduates are prepared for careers in early childhood education, including childcare work, education administration, and teaching. The program is accredited by CAEP and offers optional in-person professional experiences.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Early Childhood Education from Arizona State University prepares individuals to meet the educational, social, and emotional needs of children from birth through age 8 or grade 3. This master's program is designed for students interested in early childhood education research and working with infants and children. It serves to advance the professional development of individuals who already hold a teaching certificate and are interested in deepening their knowledge, strengthening their skills, or pursuing doctoral studies. The program equips students with specialized skills and advanced knowledge in early childhood pedagogy, community collaboration, technology, administration, policy analysis, and advocacy. It is offered fully online, allowing students nationwide to participate.
Outline:
The M.Ed. program in Early Childhood Education comprises 30 credit hours, including the required applied project course ECD 593. The program focuses on providing students with a strong foundation in early childhood education theory and research, along with practical skills for working with young children and their families.
Coursework covers topics such as:
- Child development
- Curriculum development
- Assessment and evaluation
- Teaching methods
- Leadership and administration
- Technology in the classroom
- Family and community engagement
- Early childhood policy and advocacy
The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Online lectures and discussions
- Collaborative projects
- Field experiences
- Case studies
- Individualized instruction
This prepares them for entering the teaching profession after graduation.
These experiences include:
- Internships
- Full-time teaching residencies These experiences provide opportunities to gain experience in two levels: pre-K and grades K-3. Students receive guidance and support from faculty members and highly qualified mentor teachers throughout these experiences.
Assessment
Assessment methods in the program vary depending on the specific course. However, they typically include a combination of:
- Exams
- Papers
- Presentations
- Projects
- Portfolios
- Participation The program utilizes a variety of rubrics and scoring criteria to ensure fairness and consistency in assessment.
Teaching
The program is delivered by a team of experienced faculty members who are experts in early childhood education. They utilize a variety of teaching methods to engage students and help them learn. The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods to engage students and help them learn. These methods include:
- Online lectures and discussions
- Collaborative projects
- Field experiences
- Case studies
- Individualized instruction The faculty are also available to provide students with individual support outside of class time.
Careers:
Graduates of the program are prepared for a variety of careers in the field of early childhood education, including:
- Childcare worker
- Education administrator
- Family social worker
- Preschool teacher or director
- Early childhood special education teacher Many graduates also go on to pursue doctoral studies in early childhood education or related fields.
Other:
- The program is offered entirely online, which allows students to learn from anywhere in the world.
- The program is designed to be completed in two years.
- The program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
- Graduates of the program earn an institutional recommendation from ASU that is recognized by the Arizona Department of Education for teacher certification as Early Childhood, Birth-Age 8 or Grade 3 teachers. To teach in an Arizona public school, graduates must pass the appropriate Arizona educator exams: National Evaluation Series or Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments.
Arizona State University: A Comprehensive Overview
Overview:
Arizona State University (ASU) is a top-ranked research university located in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area. It is known for its innovative approach to education, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. ASU is recognized for its commitment to inclusivity, serving learners at all stages of life and fostering a diverse and welcoming community.
Services Offered:
ASU provides a comprehensive range of services to support student success, including:
Academic Support:
Tutoring, advising, and academic success resources.Financial Aid:
Scholarships, financial aid programs, and tuition assistance.Student Life:
Housing and dining, clubs and activities, health and wellness services, and transportation.Career Services:
Job and career resources, internship opportunities, and career counseling.Student Life and Campus Experience:
ASU offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience with a strong sense of community. Students can participate in a wide array of clubs, organizations, and events, fostering personal growth and development. The university's diverse student body creates a rich cultural environment, promoting global perspectives and intercultural understanding.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Top-Ranked Programs:
ASU boasts numerous top-ranked programs, including 82 programs ranked in the top 25 nationally, with 37 in the top 10.Innovative Learning Environment:
ASU embraces a flexible and personalized approach to learning, allowing students to customize their academic journey.World-Class Faculty:
Students benefit from instruction led by renowned professors and researchers, many of whom are leaders in their fields.Global Impact:
ASU is consistently ranked among the top universities for global impact, demonstrating its commitment to addressing global challenges.Diverse and Inclusive Community:
ASU fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment, embracing students from all backgrounds and promoting a sense of belonging.Academic Programs:
ASU offers over 800 degree programs across a wide range of disciplines, including:
Undergraduate:
More than 400 undergraduate degrees in fields such as engineering, journalism, business, sustainability, nursing, education, and more.Graduate:
Over 450 graduate degrees, including master's and doctoral programs.Other:
ASU is known for its commitment to research and innovation, with a strong focus on addressing real-world challenges. The university is also a leader in sustainability, promoting environmental responsibility and social justice.
Entry Requirements:
For all applicants:
- A bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 in a relevant master's degree program.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- A personal statement describing the applicant's interests and reason for seeking this degree.
- A resume. Please note that ASU is no longer accepting new students to this program. Students who are interested in a similar program should consider applying to the Early Childhood Education MEd or the Early Childhood Education (Teacher Certification) MEd. The program description states that students have the option to add in-person professional experiences to their degree program. This would prepare them to enter the teaching profession and gain experience in two levels: preK and grades K-3. It's also worth noting that graduates earn an institutional recommendation from ASU that is recognized by the Arizona Department of Education for teacher certification as Early Childhood, Birth-Age 8 or Grade 3 teachers. However, to teach in an Arizona public school, graduates must pass the appropriate Arizona educator exams: National Evaluation Series or Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments.
