Master of Science (MS) in Education

School of Education

Early Childhood Education Specialization

The quality standards of state-funded pre-kindergarten programs have increased substantially in recent years, with 28 states now requiring lead teachers to have specialized training. Capella's master's degree specialization in Early Childhood Education is designed to prepare teachers to design, implement, and evaluate developmentally appropriate learning experiences for young children. The curriculum includes course work in such topics as child psychology, classroom management, the early childhood learning environment, family engagement, and strategies for eliminating achievement gaps. Elective course work provides you the opportunity to broaden your knowledge of learning theories or focus on special education or supervisory skills. People likely to be interested in this specialization include licensed teachers who have a passion for education at the early stages of development and want to pursue specialized preparation in that area, or who want to teach early childhood education in a higher education institution.

All credits listed below are quarter credits.

Core Courses

• ED5007 - Foundations of Educational Leadership - 6 quarter credits
• ED5500 - Standards-Based Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment - 4 quarter credits
• ED5501 - Assessment and Improvement of Instruction - 4 quarter credits
• ED5503 - Classroom Management Strategies - 4 quarter credits
• ED5504 - Strategies for Eliminating the Achievement Gap - 4 quarter credits
• ED5006 - Survey of Research Methodology - 4 quarter credits

Specialization Courses

• PSY7220 - Child Psychology - 5 credits
• ED5410 - The Early Childhood Learning Environment* - 4 quarter credits
• ED5430 - Children, Families, and Society* - 4 quarter credits
• ED5450 - Practicum in Early Childhood Education* - 6 quarter credits

One Elective Course

• Recommended elective courses
• ED5002 - Foundations of Theory and Practice in Master's Studies - 4 quarter credits
• ED5420 - Exceptional Children in the Early Childhood Setting* - 4 quarter credits
• ED5560 - Human Relations in Teaching and Learning - 4 credits (recommended for learners seeking Minnesota licensure)
• ED5514 - Educational Leadership for Teacher-Leaders - 4 credits recommended for learners seeking supervisory positions in the profession)
• OR
• Choose any graduate course.

Review of this specialization is pending in OH.

Admission to the Early Childhood Education specialization requires learners to complete and submit the Capella University School of Education Certification of Licensed Teaching form located at www.capella.edu/aspscripts/schools/TeacherLicensure.pdf.

State regulations vary regarding course requirements for professional licensure. For assistance with state-mandated course requirements for licensure, contact the designated school representative.

Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification, or endorsement. State regulations vary. It is learners' responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for their state.

Prior to enrollment, Washington state learners are advised to contact the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction at 360.725.6320 or profed@k12.wa.us to determine teacher certification or endorsement requirements, and contact their school district regarding qualifications for salary advancement.

Course Descriptions

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