Master of Arts in Education: Early Childhood

This course provides an overview of the historical, philosophical, and theoretical foundations of early childhood education and explores influential theories such as Piaget's cognitive development theory, Erikson's psychosocial theory and Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the physical, cognitive, social and emotional development of young children and how that informs developmentally appropriate practices in early education.

This course will present the value of incorporating the servant leadership model into one’s repertoire as an educational leader today. Students will identify key characteristics and strategies that will enhance their legacy as a leader who galvanizes positive changes in the lives of students, colleagues, parents, and the overall school culture.

Through this course students will critically examine research-based approaches to curriculum development including emergent curriculum, project-based learning, Montessori, and Reggio Emilia. Students will explore the value of play-based learning to promote creativity, problem-solving, and social skills development. Students will design developmentally appropriate curriculum activities that support holistic development and accommodate the unique needs of individual students.

This course is designed to provide experienced teachers with the latest research in brain-based learning and instructional theory and its practical applications to the classroom. Topics will include the structures and functions of the brain, how the brain processes information, lateralization specialization, memory, retention and transfer theory, and the role of emotion in learning. The purpose of this course is to equip educators with an understanding of research-based body/brain/mind principles and how they are applied in teaching and learning.

Through this course, students will explore theoretical foundations, practical techniques, and evidence-based approaches to creating an engaging and supportive learning environment. Students will explore strategies for building partnerships with families, classroom management techniques, and discover how to create an inclusive and culturally responsive classroom environment that meets the needs of a diverse learning community.

This course will provide students with skills that offer effective approaches in working with family and community members from culturally and socioeconomically diverse backgrounds within the larger political and social context of today's world. The student will explore the relationship of schools to other community agencies and investigate approaches to provide socio-educational services to children and their families. The student will examine ways to exercise leadership to initiate, develop, and implement programs and policies to foster success for all students.

This course provides an in-depth exploration of language and literacy development in early childhood. Topics will include the milestones, stages, and processes involved in language acquisition. Students will learn about culturally responsive literacy instruction and supporting children with diverse linguistic backgrounds. Additionally, the course will explore the role of literacy in early childhood, encompassing emergent literacy skills, reading comprehension, writing development, and fostering a love for reading.

This course will provide students with an introduction to educational research by exploring problems or issues in education, qualitative research methods, and analyzing research articles. Students will learn the essentials needed to carry out the research process and begin their capstone project, which will be completed in 605.

This course provides an in-depth examination of observation, assessment, and intervention techniques in early childhood education. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the importance of early identification, intervention, and collaboration within the context of special education services. The course emphasizes the importance of culturally responsive practices, individualized learning plans, and partnering with families and other professionals to support the developmental needs of diverse learners.

During this course, students work to finalize their capstone project. Students will triangulate data using critical self-reflections, credible literature, and observations as a method to respond to an educational problem. Upon completion of the written project, students will orally present their capstone in class. Graduation Application Fee: $185. Prerequisite: EDR 580 (concurrent enrollment allowed).