Program Details

Master of Education in Early Childhood Education - Non-Licensure Initial Program – Does Not Lead to Initial Teacher Licensure

Offered By: College of Education
Next Start Date:
Program Now Enrolling
Total Program Credits & Course Length:
Total Program Credits: 32
Online: 8 weeks [More Info]
Transfer Credits:
Up to 12 credits or 1/3 of the program
Program Tuition Rate:
Online: $515 per credit. [More Info]
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Overview

Prepare Infants to Preschoolers for Academic Success

Improve your understanding of youth from birth to eight years old in the Master of Education (MEd) in Early Childhood Education program. Offered by GCU’s College of Education, this MEd in Early Childhood Education program provides an in-depth review of literacy development, child guidance and growth. Learn the concepts to enhance your teaching and learning in 21st century daycares, preschools and elementary schools.

In this graduate-level program, you exercise your critical thinking skills to research child development and early interventions for birth to third graders. By implementing a rigorous curriculum under the guidance of expert faculty, we aim to refine your instructional methods using evidence-based research and applied strategies. Field experience opportunities throughout your Master of Education in Early Childhood Education program expose you to working with diverse age groups and youth of varying developmental stages and intellect.

Degree Outcomes

Learn the Skills of Effective Early Childhood Education

In the MEd in Early Childhood Education program, you develop the foundation for early learning. Reviewing research on child development and growth provides the fundamentals for teaching and offers ways to gauge mastery of milestones. Examine child guidance and activity during internship experiences in multiple classroom settings to support your learning of teaching and assessment methods.

What You Will Learn

Study Curriculum for Early Childhood Education

In this early childhood education degree program, you 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 daycare centers, early childhood education centers or social service agencies.

Course List

The programs offered at Grand Canyon University may vary by content and course length. You are currently viewing the program version available in Arizona. For information about specific course content, credit length and VA approval in your state, please contact a counselor at 1-855-GCU-LOPE or click here to request more information.
Major:
32 credits
Total Degree Requirements:
32 credits

Program Core Courses

Course Description

This course is designed to prepare students for the graduate learning experience at Grand Canyon University. Students have opportunities to develop and strengthen the skills necessary to succeed as graduate students in the College of Education. Emphasis is placed on utilizing the tools for graduate success.

Course Description

This course reviews research in language and literacy development with an emphasis on effective strategies (such as phonemic awareness and decoding) in Birth to Age 5/Pre-K and K to Age 8/Grade 3. NAEYC Standards 1-5 will be the focus of study.

Course Description

This course presents the historical, legal, theoretical, and sociological foundations of programs of instruction for English language learners. It includes an examination of the role of culture in learning and instructional program models, with a focus on Structured English Immersion. Teacher candidates are instructed in immersion strategies and the use of assessment data. Practicum/field experience hours: 10. Fingerprint clearance required.

Course Description

This course investigates the fundamental basis of the early childhood field, Birth to Age 5/Pre-K and K to Age 8/Grade 3, including historical and philosophical foundations, current practices, ethics, models of teaching, child growth and development, health and fitness, and application in early childhood settings. Professional preparation requirements and professional development opportunities for early childhood educators will be explored. Practicum/field experience hours: 20. Fingerprint clearance required.

Course Description

This course focuses on analyzing theories of child development, Birth to Age 5/Pre-K and K to Age 8/Grade 3, the components of positive classroom environments, and classroom management programs, including the framework for the Guidance Approach. Research will be utilized to investigate the social, cultural and familial contexts which influence learning and development. Practicum/field experience hours: 20. Fingerprint clearance required. Prerequisite: ECH-520.

Course Description

This course explores characteristics and quality practices for typical and atypical behaviors of young children in the Birth-PK and K-3 populations. Differentiated instruction and evaluation measures will be examined in relation to meeting the needs of all learners. Practicum/field experience hours: 20. Fingerprint clearance required.

Course Description

This course leads the teacher through the process of assessing, monitoring, and reporting the progress of young children. Practicum/field experience hours: 20. Fingerprint clearance required.

Course Description

In this course, teacher candidates continue to examine the fundamentals of the legal, historical, and educational foundations of Structured English Immersion and other instructional programs for English language learners. Theoretical principles of language acquisition and the role of culture in learning are examined. Methods of assessment are identified and analyzed. Teacher candidates identify strategies to promote English language development and improve student achievement. They plan, deliver, and evaluate instruction for English language learners. Practicum/field experience hours: 15. Fingerprint clearance required.

Course Description

This course examines instructional methodologies for teaching young children, with a specific emphasis on language, math, science, social studies, and the arts. Practicum/field experience hours: 20. Fingerprint clearance required.

Program Locations

Online

Online

Pursue a next-generation education with an online degree from Grand Canyon University. Earn your degree with convenience and flexibility with online courses that let you study anytime, anywhere. GCU offers the most experienced leadership in delivering online degree programs. Full-time faculty members and fully trained adjunct instructors, equipped with strong academic backgrounds and practical experience in their fields, support you every step of the way. Designed with the career-oriented professional in mind, our online classes provide an intimate environment that stimulates engaging and challenging discussions. Choose from programs across our distinct colleges, in high-demand employment areas. Classes begin frequently.
Evening

Evening

Grand Canyon University’s evening programs cater to the demands of working professionals who prefer an in-person learning environment. Our night classes meet just once per week and offer the interaction and discussion of a typical college classroom. Night classes are designed for a specific number of students, providing a warm and nurturing environment that supports an engaging experience. In an evening cohort, you will progress through your degree program with the same career-minded classmates, providing an opportunity to network and forge relationships that go beyond the classroom. Classes begin frequently at various locations, including our main campus.

* Please note that this list may contain programs that are not presently offered as program availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability of the program.

* The Department of Education defines how an institution must calculate a program's On-Time Completion rate for federal disclosure purposes. The On-Time Completion rate is based on a program's published required number of months to complete all degree requirements as provided in the institution's catalog. Completion statistics are updated every January and are based on the cohort of students who started the program in the same year and then graduated within the published program length.

Online and Evening program disclosures

* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Program subject to change.
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