Kent State University Catalog 2010 - 2011

Early Childhood Education - M.A., M.A.T. and M.Ed.

COLLEGE:	College of Education, Health and Human Services
DEPARTMENT:	School of Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Services 404 White Hall Tel: 330-672-2580 Fax: 330-672-3246 Web: www.kent.edu/ehhs/tlcs/index.cfm For information, contact: Martha Lash 404 White Hall 330-672-0628 mlash@kent.edu

DESCRIPTION:	The Master of Arts and Master of Education in Early Childhood Education prepares critically reflective teachers with advanced knowledge in pre-school through primary multi-disciplinary curriculum. Students are prepared to be democratically accountable leaders, co-decision makers, pedagogical experts and committed professionals in various early childhood realms. The program emphasizes commitment to equitable and caring learning communities. Ohio endorsements for pre-school, pre-school with special needs or generalist (grades four and five) may be embedded in the program. The M.A. requires a thesis. M.A. and M.Ed.: Pre-Kindergarten Special Needs Endorsement provides teachers with the coursework and field experiences necessary to work effectively with preschool aged children with disabilities in a variety of settings. The Pre-Kindergarten Special Needs Endorsement can be added to the Early Childhood Education License and/or the Early Childhood Pre-K Validation and any Special Education license. The Master of Arts in Teaching in Early Childhood Education is for qualified persons who possess at least a baccalaureate in a discipline other than teacher education. This program leads to Ohio licensure for teaching children age three through grade three. Students have intensive field experiences in pre-school, kindergarten and primary programs, including those in urban/diverse settings.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:	Official transcript(s), goal statement, two letters of recommendation and good moral character verification. Admission into the M.A.T. also requires GRE, Praxis I Mathematics, supplemental form and interview.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS:	M.A. and M.Ed.: Students are then guided by faculty in the development of a program of study that satisfies both individual professional goals and expectations of the department, college and university. All students are expected to complete an exit project that involves a practicum, action research project or thesis (M.A.). M.A.T: The Master of Arts in Teaching degree in early childhood education is a program for students who have a bachelor’s degree in an area other than teacher education. This program requires 18 months of full-time study which begins in June. Students are also required to take the Graduate Record Examination and the math portion of Praxis I for admission. See Web site for deadline dates. The Praxis II Specialty Test for Early Childhood Education is required for licensure.
CULMINATING REQUIREMENTS:	M.Ed.: Students must complete an exit project. M.A.T.: Student teaching is required.
THESIS:	A thesis is required for the M.A. degree.
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT:	None
PROGRAM FEE:	None
ACCREDITATION:	National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS:	Kent Student Education Association Phi Delta Kappa Honorary Education Society