Master of Science in Education in Early Childhood Education Teacher (Birth to Grade 2) [Option C]

The program in early childhood education prepares reflective teachers of children from birth through grade 2. Within our degree program, additional extensions and certificates may be added to the base of an early childhood teaching certificate by meeting NYSED requirements. These include: extensions in Bilingual Education in EC, Gifted Education in EC as well as an additional certification in Students with Disabilities (birth to 2nd grade). Our Early Childhood Program considers child development (typical and atypical) within the contexts of families, communities, and early learning settings in urban environments. Our graduates are keen observers of children who deeply understand and can document and articulate how children grow and develop. They successfully teach and guide young children in partnership with families from culturally, linguistically and socially diverse backgrounds using developmentally effective and culturally sensitive practices based on a family-centered and relationship-based philosophy. Fundamental to the program's philosophy is a commitment to providing and advocating for linguistic and cultural developmentally effective practices, the arts and children's play as central to quality education for all young children, and the inclusion of children with special needs and English language learners. Based on the continual expansion of knowledge, our curriculum is vibrant and addresses emerging issues in the field. This includes bridging students' fieldwork and clinical experiences with current theories and research in child development, infant mental health, and early childhood education. Our coursework integrates the latest research in infancy, neuropsychology, social and emotional development, parenting and families, curriculum design, authentic assessment, emergent bilingual language development, number development, science inquiry, and technology.

a bachelor's degree or recognized equivalent from an accredited institution
Applicants must have a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.00. A minimum grade point average of 3.00 in graduate education courses is required to maintain matriculation.
International applicants for whom English is a second language are required to pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 575 on the paper-based test or 233 on the computer-based test or 79 on the internet-based test, before being considered for admission.
Applicants must hold a New York State Initial Certificate in Early Childhood Education (birth through grade 2) or its equivalent.