Master of Education in Early Childhood Education (PreK-2)

The course introduces students to the biological, cognitive, and socio-cultural theories of early childhood education from the period of prenatal growth through age eight. This course examines topics including prenatal growth, infant health, language development, child care and schooling, play, family life, learning assessment, differentiated instruction and multicultural perspectives of early childhood development as relevant to educational practice. Students engage in a comprehensive curriculum assignment that will encompass all areas of child development, demonstrating their full understanding of the importance of quality early education.

This course addresses several major aspects of teaching social studies. Initially, there is a focus on the broad aims of social studies (with an emphasis on curriculum and instruction). Secondly, the course focuses on developing social studies skills, such as critical, creative and analytical thinking; problem-solving; valuing; and decision-making. Third, the course applies cooperative learning, vocabulary and concept formation, children’s literature and online resources to the study of social studies. Throughout the course, there is a focus on the organization of curriculum, instructional methods and student assessment processes about the topics of Massachusetts, United States and world history; geography skills and global awareness; economic principles and concepts; and US political principles.

This course is designed to increase your confidence and enthusiasm for teaching early childhood science, technology, engineering, arts, math, health and PE. The integration of STEAM can be an essential part of an early childhood classroom not only to achieve key learning goals, but also as a means to engage and motivate students. Additionally, health and physical education and the related issues of obesity, wellness, healthy foods and diet are explored. Students design an integrated curriculum for an inclusive early childhood setting using national, state and local standards and frameworks. Using inquiry focused investigations students plan and assess appropriate learning experiences and learn strategies to modify and adapt lessons for the diversity of learners in the classroom.

This course focuses on the fundamental principles and concepts in a prekindergarten through grade two mathematics program that includes number sense, numeration, patterns and functions, geometry and measurement and data analysis. Assessment strategies, adaptations for special needs and classroom management are addressed. The course offers a comprehensive content knowledge of math that can be applied to real-life problem-solving, communication and decision-making.

This course introduces students to the emergence of oral language and reading across development. This course also examines how to draw from knowledge of language and reading development to plan and implement evidence-based writing instruction for PK–8 students reflecting a wide range of needs and backgrounds to address the Massachusetts English Language Arts Curricular Frameworks. This includes evidence-based instruction for foundational skills and engaging with complex text. Pre-Practicum field experience is required.

This course provides an overview of the emergence of language and writing across development. This course also examines how to draw from knowledge of oral language and writing development to plan and implement evidence-based writing instruction for PK–8 students reflecting a wide range of needs and backgrounds to address the Massachusetts English Language Arts Curricular Frameworks. This includes evidence-based instruction for sentence structure and conventions, craft of writing, and the writing process and strategies. Pre-Practicum field experience is required.

In recent years, classrooms across Massachusetts and the United States have welcomed large numbers of English learners (ELs), students who are learning English in the context of school. ELs require effective content instruction to achieve academic success as they prepare for their futures in the modern 21st-century global economy. Research-based strategies for supporting ELs are practiced and analyzed, and students have opportunities for feedback and reflection. Upon successful completion of this course, participating teachers receive the Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) endorsement. Regardless of modality, this course requires at least 45 hours of synchronous instruction. Field-based experience is required.

Students undertake the gradual assumption of full teaching responsibilities in an early childhood education setting under the guidance of a supervising practitioner and a program supervisor. Students must complete at least 100 hours of full teaching responsibility and another 350 hours observing and/or assisting. Students must have successfully completed all graduate education courses prior to the practicum.

Co-requisite (0 credits): EDU 6510 – Practicum Seminar