Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Early Childhood Care and Education

Course Information

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Early Childhood Care and Education program supports you in developing your knowledge and understanding of issues and practice through enquiry and research. The program provides a range of module choices, but you are encouraged to bring your own ideas and focus on your own particular professional interests. This award is gained through taking an early childhood education focus for 50% of the study, including the Dissertation.

Our program is heavy on practical classroom training and closely aligned with trends and curricula at local schools. You will learn how to teach from experienced educators with a deep understanding of local context and practical concerns, not scholars far removed from practice.

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Early Childhood Care and Education provides a robust educational experience that equips students with advanced skills in teaching, assessment, and classroom management to prepare candidates for careers as master teachers or early childhood specialists in classrooms in Pre-school through 3rd grade.

Applicants must have substantial experience of practice in early childhood educational settings, or must have a bachelor education degree in early childhood education.

The degree consists of 36 credit hours.

Quick facts

Program options:

Master's

Study options:

Part-time study

Program delivery:

Blended

Dynamic learning:

Why choose this course?

This Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Early Childhood Care and Education award aims to equip students to enhance service provision at nursery, local and national level becoming or preparing to become a change agent in their own practice and in early childhood practice in general. Students will build on and deepen their knowledge and understanding of practice and theory in relation to child development, curriculum design and pedagogical leadership.

Taught sessions are built around discussion, discovery, shared learning and peer review with tutor support and expertise immediately at hand. All modules are constructed so that the focus of the work should be upon your individual interests and professional requirements.

• For each 36 credit module, attendance at up to 10 twilight sessions per module (or equivalent)
• A significant amount of private study and reading
• Independent research

Learning Outcome

Students in this program will:

• Develop an understanding of early childhood theories and issues in the field
• Acquire knowledge on the ways applicable truth and reconciliation calls to action can be introduced to young children in developmentally and emotionally-supportive ways
• Attain insight on children’s universal rights and children’s lives globally
• Develop an understanding of young children’s complex and multiple identities
• Acquire knowledge on children’s diverse forms of communication and expression
• Cultivate a high level of social and emotional maturity and a sense of professionalism in collaborating and communicating with students, colleagues, school administrators, parents, and members of the school community at large.
• Create developmentally appropriate objectives in terms of expected outcomes that meet the needs of diverse learners
• Pursue ongoing knowledge and professional growth to enhance student achievement
• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the subject matter to be taught, and skill in applying the basic principles of teaching and learning in a primarily urban community setting
• Utilize classroom and behavior management techniques that nurture a positive learning environment to enhance the growth and development of all students
• Demonstrate a command of fundamental communication skills and skill in effectively communicating diverse perspectives
• Design and apply technology applications that are appropriate for diverse learners in the classroom to meet the demands of the global society
• Design, implement, and assess developmentally appropriate teaching and learning activities utilizing performance criteria with a variety of assessment techniques and
• Integrate principles that are critical to academic and social development, such as:
• a commitment from the student to meet challenges and high academic expectations while exacting a commitment from the students to strive to meet high expectations;
• respect for the learner as an individual by considering differentiated learning needs, abilities, and ethnic and cultural backgrounds
• Develop your ability to critically analyze educational theory and how it links to practice
• Develop and deepen your knowledge and understanding of issues relating to education practice through critical reflection, analysis and enquiry
• Become a successful practitioner researcher.
• Become a member of a supportive learning community and learn from professionals from a range of educational settings

Curriculum

The traditional master’s degree requires a minimum of 36 hours beyond the bachelor’s education degree, depending if you chose the thesis or creative component option. The bachelor’s and master’s dual-degree program requires 156 total credit hours and is designed to be completed in five years, including two summers.

Coursework areas of emphasis include:

• Child Development, assessment and intervention
• Program Design
• Instruction
• History and theory
• Curriculum issues
• Observation and assessment
• Diversity

Admission Requirements

For Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Early Childhood Care and Education programs, the following items are required to be uploaded when submitting an online application: resume, letter of intent, email contact information for two references, unofficial transcripts, and, for international students, either a TOEFL, IELTS, or MET score. Official transcripts should be ordered after receiving the provisional admission email from Graduate Admissions and Records for Graduate Studies requirements. All materials are to be sent to the Graduate Admissions and Records Office.

Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution, a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, and meet all admissions criteria established by the Office of Graduate Admissions. Students must take and pass Praxis CORE before entering the program. In addition, applicants must be interviewed by the Graduate Education Admissions Committee.

The selection process is based on the strength of the application file and the availability of an appropriate supervisor.

In addition to the usual admission requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, applicants must have had at least two years of successful relevant professional experience.

Program specific requirements

• Names and email addresses of two referees (academic or professional)
• Letter of intent
• Resume

Program Admission Requirements

Admissions Requirements

A GRE is not required. Students must submit the following with their application:

• Earned Bachelor's Education Degree from an accredited institution
• 3.0 GPA or higher on submitted transcripts
• Two professional letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose

Degree Requirements (36 cr.)