Degree Title: Master of Education

Program Name and Number: Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education (ME6876)

Department/Unit: Department of Teacher Education

Delivery Mode: Online

Program Mission: The mission of the Blended Master’s Degree program in Early Childhood Education (ECE) and Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) is to utilize most current adult learning principles to increase the quantity and quality of ECE/ECSE teachers, and to improve services and outcomes for children ages birth to 8 and their families. The Blended Master’s Degree program will do this by supporting teacher leaders to utilize advanced knowledge, skills, and dispositions to (a) identify delays and disabilities early, (b) implement reflective and responsive interventions that are child-centered and aligned with research and theory to young children with and without disabilities birth to 8 years, and (c) to enhance teacher candidates’ capacities to support children’s  families in interacting positively and responsively to their children. Our teacher candidates are prepared to implement respectful and culturally responsive services and supports to children from diverse backgrounds (e.g., socioeconomic, racial, linguistic, learning needs) across a variety of settings (i.e., home, school, and community). This program is aligned with the following professional standards: Council for Exceptional Children, National Association for the Education of Young Children, Division for Early Childhood Recommended Practices, Ohio Standards for the Teaching Profession, Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities’ Developmental Specialist Program, Ohio Leadership Advisory Council, and Ohio Improvement Program.

Program Learning Objectives:

• Utilize instructional strategies, tiered instruction, technology, accommodations, and adaptations appropriate to children’s needs to promote access and participation in natural routines and environments
• Adapt general and specialized curricula and materials to meet the diverse needs of all children
• Provide proactive, positive behavioral support strategies to prevent and manage inappropriate child behavior and facilitate healthy social interactions
• Plan and use adult-child interactions to gain a greater understanding of cultural, social, language, and economic diversity to meet the diverse needs of all children
• Develop instructional plans that are developmentally and individually appropriate for all learners, including the consideration for medical and mental health concerns
• Apply theories, evidence-based practices, and relevant policies to advocate for programs, supports, and services for children with and without disabilities
• Use instructional and behavioral strategies that are culturally and linguistically appropriate, contextually relevant, and responsive to all learners.
• Assess and reflect on curriculum, learning environment, and instructional methods to establish priorities for differentiated instruction and clear learning objectives aligned with standards and regulations for all learners.
• Work systematically as a team following established conditions necessary for effective team functioning and engage in collaborative goal setting with families.
• Use data to make informed decisions and to advocate for relevant topics in early care and education at the local, national, and global levels
• Design and conduct an action research project

Program Overview: The Patton College of Education offers a Master’s Degree in Education with dual licensure in the following areas: Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Intervention Specialist (ECIS) ages 3-8/prekindergarten-grade 3, respectively. The program meets the Ohio teacher licensure requirements. It is available for teachers who already have licensure in one of the following areas: early childhood education, elementary education, special education, or a related field approved by the cohort facilitator. The curricular focus of the dual licensure master’s program at Ohio University centers on the development of advanced knowledge, skills, and dispositions that meet the diverse needs of all learners 0-8 years with and without disabilities.

Graduation Requirements:

1. Minimum semester hours required: 31
2. Thesis requirement: No
3. Qualifying exam: No
4. Expected time to completion if studying fulltime: 1 year; 4 semesters; Summer II, Fall, Spring, Summer I

First Summer Semester

• EDSP 5700: Nature and Needs of Children and Adults with Exceptionalities
• EDEC 6110: Collaboration with Families, Colleagues, and the Community

Fall Semester

• EDTE 5600: Advanced Studies of Children and Adolescents
• EDSP 6210: Advanced Assessment Practices in Early Childhood
• EDEC 6920: Practicum I in ECE and ECSE

Spring Semester

• EDTE 6670: Teacher as Action Researcher
• EDEC 6310: Early Childhood Curricula and Methods
• EDSP 6920: Practicum II in ECE and ECSE

Second Summer Semester

• EDTE 6940: Masters Research Project
• EDTE 6400: Teacher as Advocate and Leader

Admission Requirements:

• Completion of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution.
• An overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or better in most recent degree program.
• Have a valid teaching license number (or anticipated date of submitting for one).
• Two satisfactory recommendations from faculty and/or professionals who know you as a student or employee.
• A statement of personal/professional reasons for seeking this degree (writing sample).