The Early Childhood Specialization is not accepting applications for 2022-23
Early Childhood Specialization (13EC)
Lizabeth Cain, Coordinator, (845) 257-2864
cainl@newpaltz.edu
Students enrolled in the Master of Science in Education Childhood Education 1-6 program may choose to specialize in Early Childhood Education. The planned outcome of the Early Childhood Education track is the increased understanding and use of the major concepts, principles, theories, and research related to the development of young children, infancy to second grade. Principles and standards of the NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) serve as a guide for course development and completion. This specialization will enhance the student’s understanding of how young children experience and process learning. This specialization will NOT lead to certification as an Early Childhood Education teacher.
The Early Childhood Specialization is not accepting applications for 2022-23
Admission Requirements
Candidates for admission to the program need to:
- Hold a current elementary or childhood teaching certificate from New York State. A copy of this certificate must be submitted as part of the application process. (Note: Students may be accepted into the program "pending" receipt of their teaching certificate if the teaching certificate is being processed by NYSED or if the student is nearing completion of an approved teacher education program.)
- Have earned an undergraduate cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher
- Complete an admission application using the link above and provide official transcripts of all college/university coursework.
- Submit three letters of recommendation on professional letterhead from professionals addressing the competency of the candidate. At least one letter should come from a professor with whom the candidate has taken undergraduate course work;
Application Deadlines
- Summer Admission - Applications must be complete by May 1
- Fall Admission - Applications must be complete by July 31
The Early Childhood Specialization is not accepting applications for 2022-23
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Science Core (9 Credits) | ||
| Select 9 credits by advisement 1 | 9 | |
| Elementary Content Core (15 Credits) | ||
| EED550 | Advanced Child Development | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Race and Gender in Education | ||
| Issues in Multicultural Education | ||
| Tchg. Learners of Culturally/Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds | ||
| Education Across Borders:International Ideas and Experience | ||
| Literacy and Language Learners | ||
| SED701 | Inquiry into Teaching, Learning, and School: Part I | 3 |
| SED702 | Inquiry into Teaching, Learning, and School: Part II Every Semester | 3 |
| SPE565 | Teaching in Inclusive Classrooms 2 | 3 |
| Pedagogical Core (12-15 Credits) | ||
| The pedagogical core is developed from the student’s choice of a specialization track and additional graduate education elective(s). | 12-15 | |
| Possible courses to be selected with advisement: | ||
| Early Childhood Special Education | ||
| Literacy and Reading Development - Birth - Kindergarten | ||
| Play: The Foundations of Literacy for Young children (B-K) | ||
| Science, Math, and Engineering for Young Children | ||
| Children's and Young Adult Literature | ||
| Total Credits | 36-39 | |
- 1
This is a continuation of undergraduate content and aligned with specialization tracks. Courses will be selected with advisement from respective departments from one of the following content areas:
- Science, Mathematics, Technology
- Social Studies
- Languages other than English
- English/Language Arts
Students may also choose, under advisement, to substitute graduate electives in Liberal Arts or Science and/or Fine and Performing Arts (up to 6 credits) to continue in their undergraduate academic major.
- 2
Course required for students who have not had a previous course to prepare them to work with students with special needs.
The Early Childhood Specialization is not accepting applications for 2022-23
Requirements for Completion of the Degree
Candidates are required to:
- Develop a plan of study with an advisor after matriculating into the program;
- Complete prescribed course work and other requirements within three years of matriculation;
- Maintain a cumulative average of 3.0 or better, with no more than two grades below B-.
- Complete "Dignity for All Students Act" (DASA) Training;
A typical four-semester program for a full-time student would consist of two summer sessions, one fall semester, and one spring semester. There is some flexibility in planning sequences of courses, depending on course availability.
