Early Childhood Education
Master of Science
Early Childhood Unified
Degree Information
The graduate program in Early Childhood is designed to improve the teaching effectiveness of teachers working with young children in regular early childhood settings as well as early childhood special education settings. The Master of Science degree has been designed to prepare students with knowledge and skills to meet the challenges of the present and the future. Current federal mandates and trends in public schools recognize the growing importance of early childhood special education services for children from birth through age 8 and their families. Teachers with advanced training in their field will be in a favored position to usher in best practices for young children.
The Master of Science degree in early childhood education offers coursework in Early Childhood Unified.
Purpose
This graduate program of study is designed for persons who hold a valid elementary level teaching license and who wish to work toward a master's degree in early childhood education with an emphasis on working with young children with special needs. Completion of this program may also lead to the Kansas Early Childhood Unified license.
Admission/Eligibility Requirements
In addition to the requirements of the Office of Graduate Studies and Research, students shall create an application portfolio with evidence of the following items:
- GPA (a minimum of 2.75 on the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate study)
- Two Personal References (two references completed by supervising administrators)
- Signed Disposition Disclosure Form - Print and send to Early Childhood Department [Get Form]
- Admissions essay: Describe your critical thinking and beliefs about the following issues in early childhood education:
- The need for high expectations in the learning setting while respecting the individual differences of all learners.
- The importance of forming alliances with families in the education process.
- Discussion of professionalism and ethical standards for the classroom teacher.
All materials are due March 1 for summer admission, June 1 for fall admission and November 1 for spring admission.
Degree Candidacy
Candidacy is the formal approval for pursuit of a graduate degree after it is determined that all specified preliminary requirements have been met. Requirements for degree candidacy are as follows:
1) The student must have met the admission requirements.
2) The student must have filed a degree plan in cooperation with their advisor.
3) The student must have completed at least six hours of course work on the graduate program of study.
Permission to participate in two required practica
Even though students are admitted to degree candidacy, enrollment in the two teaching practica required in this program is not automatic. Students will be evaluated on knowledge, skills and dispositions required for success in the two practica, CD 890 and CD 861. Students will be given a copy of the dispositions rating form after acceptance into the program. If a student does not meet expectations, he/she will not be allowed to enroll.
Graduation Requirements
In order to receive a master’s degree in early childhood education, students must accomplish the following:
- Complete the program of study outlined below.
- Maintain a 3.0 grade point average.
- Submit and formally present a final master’s project during the last term of enrollment. The final project must meet expectations for graduate work (to be scored by early childhood faculty and a passing score must be obtained). Directions for the final project assignment and dates for presentation may be obtained from the department or advisor.
Course Requirements and Sequence
Core (12 hours)
CD 836 - Characteristics of Early Childhood Special Education (1st)* 3hrs
CD 838- Methods of Inclusive Early Childhood Education (3rd)* 3hrs
CD 837 - Collaboration in Inclusive Early Childhood Programs (5th or 6th)* 3hrs
EL 751 - Application of Developmental Theories (7th)* 3hrs.
Concentration (9 hours)
CD 781 - Observation, Assessment and Screening in Early Childhood (2nd)* 3hrs
CD 782 - Family Involvement in Early Childhood Programs (5th or 6th)* 3hrs
CD 840 - Working With Infants & Toddlers With Special Needs & Their Families (8th)* 3hrs
Electives (6 hours)
6 hours of advisor-approved course work - 6hrs
Research (3 hours)
ER 752 - Analysis of Research - 3
Practica (6 hours)
CD 890 - Early Childhood Special Education Practicum: Center Based (4th)* 3hrs
CD 861 - Early Childhood Special Education Practicum: Home Based (9th)* 3hrs
TOTAL: 36hrs
* Indicates the order in which courses are taken.
Note: Electives and ER 752 Analysis of Research may be taken at any time in the sequence.
Teacher Licensure
Upon completion of the requirements, the student is responsible for applying for licensure by contacting the Teacher Licensing Officer, Emporia State University. The Teacher Licensing Officer then recommends to the Kansas State Department of Education that the student be licensed.
Candidates completing the master of science degree after September 1, 2003 will be required to take a subject assessment/specialty area test (Licensure Area: Early Childhood Unified; Test Code: 20021; Test Name: Education of Young Children). For test descriptions, sample questions with answers, and test-taking strategies, see the Tests at a Glance. Review and download Tests at a Glance information instantly–from the Praxis Series website at www.ets.org/praxis.
Knowledge of and compliance with the requirements for any graduate degree are primarily the responsibility of the student. Consequently, careful reading and study of the Graduate Catalog is expected as a self-imposed prerequisite on the part of the student applying for admission to graduate study.
Last Updated May 8, 2007