Program structure

PURPOSE

The Master of Education, Early Childhood Emphasis is designed for educators interested in early childhood education (birth through grade 3). The program includes eligibility for an early childhood endorsement (30 hours) or advanced study for those individuals who already have an early childhood endorsement and desire a master’s degree (36 hours).

The program is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). In addition the program design conforms to the guidelines prescribed by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

A valid elementary teaching credential is required if an early childhood education endorsement is desired.

Concordia offers this program in a cohort format; a small group, or cohort, takes the same classes at the same time. This format fosters life-long, professional relationships and offers invaluable peer support. Courses take eight weeks to complete. Classes are offered primarily online with two, one-week, on-campus residency sessions occurring in June. Students will finish the program in two years.

OBJECTIVES

Graduate students who complete the emphasis in early childhood education will be able to:

  1. Articulate and demonstrate a clear and advanced understanding of child development and child psychology;
  2. Establish and maintain an environment that ensures children’s safety and their healthy development
  3. Plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum activities that advance all areas of children’s development and learning including social, emotional, intellectual, physical, spiritual and aesthetic components.
  4. Increase skill and knowledge of techniques that assist the young child in language development and emergent literacy.
  5. Understand and process the current research and issues in early childhood education.
  6. Understand and promote the need to establish supportive relationships with children in implementing developmentally appropriate techniques of guidance and group management.
  7. Understand and promote the importance of establishing positive, productive relationship with families.
  8. Support the uniqueness of each child, recognizing that children are best understood in the context of their family, culture, and society.
  9. Develop a cultural awareness and appreciation for diversity and individual differences including race, gender, socio-economic status, language, and special needs.
  10. Develop an increased awareness and proficiency in organizing and managing an early childhood center striving for high standards of NAEYC/LCMS accreditation.
  11. Understand, promote, and implement techniques for developmentally appropriate assessment of young children’s learning.
  12. Promote the need to implement a positive team approach to working with other professionals and support staff.
  13. Articulate and demonstrate an understanding of the early childhood profession and make a commitment to professionalism, including continuous personal professional growth.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Early Childhood Endorsement (30 hours)

  • EDUC 578 Infants and Toddlers: Development, Methods, Curriculum, & Assessment (Birth-3) (Includes clinical experience) (3)
  • EDUC 580 Pre-Primary Education: Development, Methods, Curriculum & Assessment (Ages 3-5) (Includes clinical experience) (3)
  • EDUC 583 Primary Education: Development, Methods, Curriculum, & Assessment (Ages 6-8) (Includes clinical experience) (3)
  • EDUC 565 The Young Child, Language and Literacy (3)
  • EDUC 501 Contemporary Thought in Education (3)
  • PSY 511 Psychological Foundations of Teaching and Learning (3)
  • EDUC 526 Language and Culture (3)
  • EDUC 574 Early Childhood Program Organization and Management (3)
  • EDUC 573 Early Childhood Practicum (6)

Total: 30 hours (required by the State of Nebraska)

Add the following to earn a Master of Education, Early Childhood Emphasis:

  • EDUC 595 Research Design (3)
  • SOC 565 Serving and Leading in Community and World (3)

Special Education Coursework

  • EDUC 539 Instructional Methods for Students with Diverse Needs (3)
  • EDUC 546 Curriculum and Direct Instruction: Reading (3)
  • EDUC 547 Curriculum and Direct Instruction: Math (3)
  • EDUC 558 Current Issues in Special Education and the Law (3)
  • EDUC 559 Instructional Methods for Students with Learning Disabilities (3)
  • EDUC 576 Behavior Disorders – Behavior Management (3)
  • EDUC 591 Educating Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (3)
  • EDUC 592 Assessment and Evaluation of Diverse Learners (3)
  • EDUC 593 Psychology of Exceptionality and Multiculturalism (3)