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 recognized by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and is designed to prepare teachers to design, implement, and evaluate developmentally appropriate learning experiences for young children. This specialization is also part of Capella's Professional Education Unit, which has been accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). 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.
Licensure information: Begin to research and understand your state's licensure requirements right away, find answers to common questions, explore how Capella programs fit with your state's standards and requirements, and get links to important state resources. Visit the School of Education licensure website.
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher
Education (NCATE)- Accredited
NCATE-accredited programs are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation for the preparation of P-12 teachers and other professional school personnel. Graduates of these programs are highly regarded by many school districts, licensing authorities, and teaching professionals.
 Read the news release announcing our NCATE accreditation.
Learn why NCATE accreditation is important.
Core Courses (each course 4 quarter credits unless noted)
- ED5007 - Foundations of Educational Leadership - 6 quarter credits
- ED5420 - Exceptional Children in the Early Childhood Setting*
- ED5500 - Standards-Based Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
- ED5501 - Assessment and Improvement of Instruction
- ED5503 - Classroom Management Strategies
- ED5006 - Survey of Research Methodology
Specialization Courses (each course 4 quarter credits unless noted)
- PSY7220 - Child Psychology - 5 quarter credits
- ED5410 - The Early Childhood Learning Environment*
- ED5430 - Children, Families, and Society*
- ED5440 - Early Childhood Reading and Literacy Instruction
- ED5450 - Early Childhood Education Practicum* - 6 quarter credits
This specialization has not been reviewed or approved by Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania residents will have to apply and meet requirements for certification as out-of-state candidates.
Admission to the Early Childhood Education specialization requires learners to complete and submit the Teaching License Information form.
Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification, or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure and salary benefits. It is the learners' responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for their states. Where applicable, teachers are advised to contact their school districts as to whether a program may qualify for salary advancement.
(Washington State learners are advised to go to: http://pathway.pesb.wa.gov/outofstate for more information)
Kansas regulations require that Kansas residents must first be granted a license for early childhood education in Minnesota before applying for a Kansas license. They can then apply to add Early Childhood, Prekindergarten through grade three (general education only — no special education), as an endorsement on their Kansas license.
New York residents are currently not eligible to enroll in this specialization.
* This course has a prerequisite. Contact an enrollment counselor for more information.
Course Descriptions
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Learn more about our related specializations:
PhD
Master's degree
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