Early Childhood Program

Leslie Couse

Eun Kyeong Cho

The Early Childhood Program offers the Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree. Within the program students have the Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education options. The program also supports the Doctor of Philosophy in Education program for those candidates who choose to focus in the area of Early Childhood. Completion of the program may lead to certification as an early childhood teacher (K-3) or an Early Childhood Special Educator (birth - 8 yr). The curriculum content of the program is keyed to National Association for the Education of Young Children guidelines for advanced degree programs and New Hampshire State Certification standards. The program is designed for experienced teachers and other early childhood practitioners who wish to improve their professional competence and broaden their career opportunities. The program emphasizes the acquisition of knowledge and competencies in child development (birth through eight years), learning environments, developmentally appropriate curriculum, developmental and cultural diversity, parent collaboration, and professional leadership. The course work culminates in an extensive field-based experience. This program emphasizes the personal development of each student in close collaboration with faculty and fellow students.

The Early Childhood program is designed to prepare leaders for new careers in early childhood education such as:

♦ Early childhood teachers and team leaders
♦ Curriculum consultants and staff development coordinators
♦ Coordinators for home-based infant and toddler programs or for family and group day care programs
♦ Junior college and vocational school child care instructors
♦ Administrators of early childhood programs
♦ Early childhood special education teachers
♦ Early Interventionists