Courses:15 week long courses

(If you are a current student please contact your advisor regarding course sequence and availability)

ECED 700 Development of Young Learners *prerequisite course 
ECED 710 Issues and Trends in Early Literacy Development
ECED 715 Curriculum in Early Childhood Education 
EDUC 788 Research in Education 
ECED 720 Math and Science in Early Childhood **Summer Residency
ECED 730 Observation, Documentation and Assessment in Early Childhood **Summer Residency
SPED 710 Seminar in Exceptionalities
ECED 750 Play, Research and Advocacy
ECED 740 Family, School and Community: Partnerships in Early Childhood

Electives

CHAR730 Foundations of Character Education
CHAR740 Conflict Resolution
ECED705 A Comparison of Early Childhood Education Models in Europe and in the United States
ECED760 Kindergarten Education
SPED760 Early Intervention and Working with Families

Course Descriptions

ECED 700 Development of Young Learners

This course studies characteristics and needs of children prenatal through ten years by studying theories of physical, cognitive, language, social, and emotional development.  Emphasis is placed on influences of development and learning as applied to education.  Observation techniques are used to collect and analyze data to formulate healthy, respectful, supportive, and challenging learning environments.  Includes 40 hours of observation.  

ECED 705 A Comparison of Early Childhood Education Models in Europe and the United States

This course explores the historical, cultural, and philosophical foundations of early childhood education in the United States and Europe.  It analyzes curriculum concepts, principles, and organizational patterns.  Students will travel to Europe to examine, compare, and contrast their early childhood models with those in the United States.

ECED 710 Issues and Trends in Early Literacy Development

This course provides an in-depth study of current issues and trends relating to literacy acquisition and development in young children.  The psychological and sociological factors underlying the development of language and literacy, the identification of best practices, and the evaluation and assessment of literacy environments and materials are examined.

ECED 715 Curriculum in Early Childhood Education

This course investigates the nature and scope of curriculum development for children, from birth through the primary grades, and analyzes various curriculum concepts, principles, and organizational patterns.  It addresses historical foundations, philosophies, learning theories, and contemporary influences on early childhood curriculum. Prerequisite: ECED 700 or permission of instructor.

ECED 720 Math and Science Experiences in Early Childhood

This course is designed to provide students with knowledge of the integration of science and mathematics concepts and appropriate teaching pedagogy.  This course incorporates the integration of text, lecture, and threaded discussions as students integrate science and mathematics concepts through the utilization of children’s literature, creation of a mathematics/science center, and development of web resources for cross curricular study. Prerequisite:  ECED 700 or permission of instructor.

ECED 730 Observation, Documentation, and Assessment in Early Childhood

This course identifies appropriate assessment strategies used to evaluate cognitive, physical, and psychosocial development of children and considers implications for curriculum planning. It explores the use of systematic observations, documentation, and other effective assessment strategies. Candidates learn to use data as an informative source in planning and teaching. Attention is given to the collection and interpretation of data for instruction, grouping, and administrative purposes.  A one week residency is required for this course. Prerequisite: ECED 700 or permission of instructor

ECED 740 Family, School, and Community: Partnerships in Early Childhood Education

This course investigates the importance of the families’ involvement in children’s education, the necessity of collaboration between home and school, as well as the role of the school in promoting families’ involvement in their children’s education.  Topics such as family structures, family involvement, effective home-school-community relationships, support services, advocacy, and school-based, home-based and family education programs are examined.  Prerequisite: ECED 700 or permission of instructor.

ECED 750 Play, Research, and Advocacy

This course examines the rationale, value, dynamics, and categories of children’s play as defined by classical and contemporary theories.  Candidates explore motor skills, cognitive abilities, creativity, social-emotional factors and issues influencing children's play, and develop strategies for curriculum integration.  Candidates plan and carry out action research projects and advocacy plans based on their research.  Prerequisites:  ECED 700 and EDUC788.

ECED 760 Kindergarten Education

This course explores the nature of five- and six-year-olds’ learning and development.  It investigates specific aspects of the child’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical needs and develops a rationale for kindergarten.  It explores curriculum planning and implications of laws and issues, including applicable kindergarten standards.  Prerequisite:  ECED 700 or permission of instructor.

EDUC 788 Research in Education

This course develops the point of view and skills which enable students to apply research procedures to professional problems. Students gain the expertise necessary to be critical consumers of research and to carry out completed research projects.

SPED 710 Seminar in Exceptionalities

This course acquaints graduate students with the historical development of special education and current and anticipated issues in special education. It reviews the attitudes toward and treatment of exceptionalities and the impact of exceptionalities on self, family, and community. It stresses etiology and identification of the various exceptionalities, as well as knowledge of the educational process for each.

SPED 760 Early Intervention and Working with Families

This course introduces the field of Early Intervention with a focus on the young child with disabilities and their families; emphasizing the role of family in the collaborative process of early intervention.  It includes all aspects of early intervention from history, legislation, service delivery, advocacy, curriculum and evaluation.  Prerequisites:  SPED 710 or permission of instructor.

ELED 730 Foundations of Character Education         

This course acquaints educators with facets of character development in educational environments.  It includes theories of moral development, character formulation, the role of the family, teacher, peer groups, and community, as well as additional environmental factors influencing character development.  School-wide implementation and classroom strategies for teaching responsibility and respect will be explored.  Curricular approaches to character education will be introduced.

ELED 740 Conflict Resolution

This course is designed for educators with content focusing on the role of conflict resolution in a character education program.  The course will highlight conflict in the classroom, curricular implementation of conflict resolution programs/strategies, types and sources of conflict, the conflict resolution paradigm, techniques for promoting family involvement in conflict resolution, and a thorough analysis of current educational materials and resources for teaching conflict resolution in educational settings.  Children’s literature will be strongly emphasized.

Admission Requirements

All admission materials should be sent to :School of Graduate Studies, 219 Meadville Street, Reeder Hall - 3rd Floor, Edinboro, PA 16444 or via email gradstudies@edinboro.edu or via fax 814-732-2611  

1. Complete the online graduate application (gradschool.edinboro.edu).

2. Application Fee: $30 (if not a former EUP student), or $7 (if a former EUP student).

3. An official transcript verifying an earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.

4. For students with a QPA below 2.80, score from the Miller Analogies Test (MAT) or the aptitude test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), are required. Additional information may be requested after a review of test scores and transcripts.

5. Copy of a valid elementary teaching certificate submitted with application.

If you are interested in transferring credits from another degree you will need to fill out the Transfer Credit Form and submit it to the address listed above.

 
*Note: Certification procedures in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania require that the candidates must pass the required PDE Early Childhood Exam required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education before certification will be granted. Candidates seeking certification in another state shall follow the corresponding procedures required by the given state.

For information or assistance regarding services, activities and facilities that are accessible to and usable by persons with a disability, contact Dr. Robert McConnell, Office for Students with Disabilities (OSD), at (814) 732-2462 t/tty or mcconnell@edinboro.edu. For additional information, visit the OSD web page.

Apply Online

Online PA Resident

Online Non-Resident

• How long will it take me to finish the program?
• How many credits should I take per semester?
• When can I start?
• Is the program run as a cohort?
• Do I ever need to report to campus?
• What is involved/required during the summer residency?
• Is the summer residency cost included in my tuition?
• Is the course accredited?
• How do online courses work? Do I need to log in at specific times?
• Can I transfer my certification to another state?
• Will I earn certification after completing the master's degree?
• Can I just earn Early Childhood certification without the master's?
• Is there a deadline for application?
• Is financial aid available?
• How will I know what courses to take and when to take them?
• Do I need to take an entrance exam (I.e. MAT or GRE for admission?
• Do I need a reference for admission?

 
How long will it take me to complete the program?

The 30 credit Med in Early Childhood Education takes just under 2 years to complete

How many credits should I take per semester?
The majority of students take 2 courses or 6 credits per semester term. Courses are 7.5 weeks long, so in a regular 15 week semester students complete 6 credits but only take 1 course at a time.

When can I start?

You can start this program during our fall, spring or summer semesters.

Is the program run as a cohort?
No, the program is structured with maximum flexibility in mind. You can take as many courses as you like in a given semester or you can take a semester off if needed. Graduate students have 5 years to complete their program at Edinboro University.

Do I ever need to report to campus?
Yes, there is a one week summer residency required in the Med in Early Childhood Education.

What is involved/required during the summer residency?
The summer residency identifies appropriate assessment strategies used to evaluate cognitive, physical, and psychosocial development of children and considers implications for curriculum planning. It explores the use of systematic observations, documentation, and other effective assessment strategies. Candidates learn to use data as an informative source in planning and teaching. Attention is given to the collection and interpretation of data for instruction, grouping, and administrative purposes.

Is the summer residency cost included in my tuition?
No, food and housing (either on or off campus) is not included in your semester bill. Students do not have to stay on-campus; if you live within driving distance you can commute during the one week residency.

Is the program accredited?
Yes, The Med in Early Childhood Education program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation in Teacher Education (NCATE) and also meets all Pennsylvania Department of Education guidelines.

How do online courses work? Do I need to log in at specific times?
Online courses are designed with maximum flexibility in mind. They allow you to complete related coursework when and where it is convenient for you to do so. Two o’clock in the morning or two o’clock in the afternoon; its up to you! Students interact regularly with one another and/or their instructors using online chat, threaded discussion, bulletin boards, group projects, etc. Assignments, tests, and quizzes are completed and submitted online, and returned to students with appropriate instructor feedback.

Can I transfer my certification to another state?
Yes, however it is up to you to contact the state’s department of education to determine what paperwork would need submitted, any additional coursework that may need completed and also if they have a state exam you would be required to take.

Will I earn certification after I complete the master's degree?
Yes, however completion of the early childhood education degree does not automatically grant certification. Certification procedures require that candidates pass the Early Childhood Education Praxis exam, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Those seeking certification in another state shall follow corresponding certification procedures required by the given state. Please refer to the following link for the Pennsylvania certification application & procedure for Special Education Certification: Copy and Paste the following link http://cms.edinboro.edu/departments/student_teaching/pa_certification.do. Once you pass the PRAXIS, you must officially apply for Certification. Please do this as soon as you pass the PRAXIS if you want certification in PA. Passing Score on Early Childhood Education= 530, Passing Score on Fundamental Subjects: Content Knowledge = 150.

Can I just earn Early Childhood certification without the master's?
Yes, if you are certified in Elementary Education, with or without a master’s degree, you are eligible to complete 4 online courses to “add on” early childhood certification. This option is available until August of 2013.

 Is there a deadline for application?
No, however registration is set up on a first come first serve basis and usually becomes available to admitted students in November for the Spring semester and March for the summer and fall semesters. The School of Graduate Studies cannot guarantee seats in your required courses if you apply less than four weeks prior to the start of the semester.

Is financial aid available?
Students would need to fill out the online FAFSA application to determine their eligibility for financial aid.

How will I know what courses to take and when to take them?
When admitted into the program you will be assigned an advisor and you will also receive a plan of study which outlines the courses you would need to take and the order to take them in.

Do I need to take an entrance exam (i.e. MAT or GRE) for admission?

Applicants would only need to take either the MAT or GRE if their undergraduate GPA was below a 2.80. Students whose GPA was below a 2.80 but have a master’s degree would not need to take these exams.

Do I need reference for admission?
No, this program does not require applicants to submit letters of reference.