ADVANCED STUDIES IN TEACHER EDUCATION

ON-LINE PROGRAM

MASTER OF EDUCATION in EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Program Description

California University of Pennsylvania’s Advanced Studies in Teacher Education is a completely online 33 credit graduate program for certified teachers interested in gaining additional certification in Early Childhood Education. The curriculum is aligned with National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards. Graduate students in the early childhood education degree program will apply knowledge of child development, families, and best teaching practices to a variety of educational settings including public schools pre-kindergarten to grade four primary programs, preschool programs, Head Start, child care, parenting and family support programs.   New career opportunities have evolved for educators with a strong background in the early childhood field of education. This degree will enable the early childhood educator to meet the specific needs of children and work with parents and other adults to nurture children’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth n a child development framework. 

There are two options within the early childhood education program: A master’s degree and certification with thesis, action research, or internship (33 credits); A certification only program with thesis, action research, or internship (24 credits). It required that the internship be completed if you do not have early childhood experience (i.e., formal work and/or teaching experience working with Pre-K children). For more information on the certification only option, click here.

Program Features

• Enrollment requires that the student have a bachelor's degree or higher and teaching certification (must have elementary, early childhood, or special education teaching certification).
• All courses are offered on-line and there is no requirement to come to campus.
• Students are expected to complete degree requirements in five semesters, two courses each semester, including summer sessions.
• Students are members of a cohort group that works together via the Internet/Web.
• All coursework is delivered online using the internet.
• Courses involve online activities including small group projects, case studies, papers, exams, discussion and debate, as the basis for earning credits.
• All courses feature asynchronous discussion; i.e., messages are posted at any time and students can see previously posted messages by others.)
• Students can participate at any time of the day they wish. 
• Advising is available via telephone or email.
• All coursework can be used to complete continuing education requirements under Act 48 - Pennsylvania. Your state may have similar requirements.

Program Philosophy

The Masters in Early Childhood Education is based on and supports as well as implements the principles prescribed by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and include these five standards:

• Standard 1. Promoting Child Development and Learning
• Standard 2. Building Family and Community Relationships
• Standard 3. Observing, Documenting, and Assessing to Support Young Children and Families
• Standard 4. Teaching and Learning
  • 4a. Connecting with children and families
  • 4b. Using developmentally effective practices
  • 4c. Understanding content knowledge in early education
  • 4d. Building meaningful curriculum
• Standard 5. Becoming a Professional

Therefore, using the five core standards/principles supports excellence in teaching by providing candidates who will be able to:

·         demonstrate knowledge of theory and practice for planning and implementing programs for individual and groups of children

·         apply and analyze the core knowledge and systematically develop appropriate curriculum for individual and groups of children

·         demonstrate the ability to refine their core knowledge and evaluate and apply research to improve current practices

·         conduct assessments of individual children and groups

·         understand family strengths and areas for support as they form authentic relationships with families

·         reflect on practices that improve programming for young children and families

·         become advocates for policies designed to improve conditions for children , families, and the profession

·         provide continuing professional development in the field of early childhood education

This program emphasizes a Constructivist teaching philosophy that takes into consideration the prior knowledge and background of individual learners. The program is based on best practices, is performance-based, and engages learners in research-based practices that will prepare professionals to work with children pre-kindergarten to fourth grade.

Disclaimer:
Out of state students are welcome but should first contact their State Department of Education for further information regarding certification requirements and reciprocity agreements.

PA Chapter 49.2 indicates that certification changes are occurring in the state of Pennsylvania. Visit the following link to keep updated on these changes: http://www.teaching.state.pa.us/teaching/cwp/view.asp?A=7&Q=129405

All students please note:
Completion of an approved certification program is a requirement for certification in PA. In the certification process, the university informs the state that a student has completed the university's state approved program. The state then reviews the student's credentials and determines eligibility for certification. We encourage all students to contact the Pennsylvania Department of Education before beginning Cal U's program for further information about certification requirements in PA.

For More Information please contact the Office of Web-based Programs at 1-866-595-6348 or send us an e-mail at elemedonline@cup.edu