Master of Education in Early Childhood Education - Initial Teacher Licensure Initial Program – Leads to Initial Teacher Licensure

Overview

Prepare Infants to Preschoolers for Academic Success

Develop the learning journey for youth from birth to eight years old in the Master of Education (MEd) in Early Childhood Education program. Offered by Grand Canyon University's (GCU) College of Education, this early childhood education program provides a wide-ranging teaching focus. Research child development and early interventions for children from birth to pre-K, and master the knowledge needed for your K-3 teaching licensure.

This master's program in early childhood education is ideal for career changers and other individuals passionate about the field of education. Learn concepts to introduce you to teaching and learning in the 21st century. At GCU, numerous opportunities are provided to apply your learning. Field experience and student teaching components throughout your program expose you to diverse age groups and working with youth of varying developmental states and intellect.

Programs leading to teacher certification may require practicum hours, state exams, student teaching and an institutional recommendation from GCU. If you are enrolled in the MEd early childhood program, you are required to complete eight weeks of student teaching in a birth to pre-K setting and eight weeks in a K-3 grade setting.

Degree Outcomes

Learn the Skills of Effective Early Childhood Education

In the master's in early childhood education degree, you focus on topics to help young minds develop the foundation for early learning. You review research on child development and growth and learn ways to gauge mastery of milestones. Examine child guidance and activity during internship experiences in a birth to preschool setting and in a K-3 setting. Upon successful completion of coursework and state requirements, this early childhood education degree program may lead to teaching licensure.

What You Will Learn

Master's in Early Childhood Education Curriculum

In this early childhood education degree program, teacher candidates study topics such as:

• Instruction methods for the exceptional learner and non-English speakers
• Classroom engagement and management techniques
• Developmental milestones and methods of evaluation
• Curriculum development and teaching for language arts, math, science, health, social studies and the arts

Career Outcomes

Become an Outstanding Educator

Common jobs following the Master of Education in Early Childhood Education include preschool teacher, daycare director, child development specialist, school program director and education advocate. Potential places of work include public and private elementary schools, daycares, early childhood education centers and social service agencies.

Note: This program was recently revised. Disclosure statistics on this program before it was revised indicated 76 percent of students graduated on time (within 25 months) and graduated with a median loan debt of $32,791.