Master of Arts

University of Saint Joseph Connecticut
       

Early Childhood/Special Education

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Download the Accelerated Master's Program In Early Childhood Flyer

A positive learning climate in a school for young children is a composite of many things. It is an attitude that respects children. It is a place where children receive guidance and encouragement from the responsible adults around them. It is an environment where children can experiment and try out new ideas without fear of failure. It is an atmosphere that builds children's self-confidence so they dare to take risks. It is an environment that nurtures a love of learning. - Carol Hillman, Early Childhood Educator

The Early Childhood Studies program provides a teacher licensure program of study that is directly aligned with a Master of Arts program. In addition, students enjoy a unique arrangement with four University of Saint Joseph Lab Schools that provide extraordinary hands-on opportunities for students as well as sites for graduate internships. The lab schools include: The School for Young Children, The Gengras Center, School for Young Children on Asylum Hill and the newest site, The Charter School for Young Children.

Graduate Programs Early Childhood Education/Special Education
The graduate program in Early Childhood Education/Special Education prepares professionals to work with all young children and their families in a variety of educational and early intervention settings.

Early Childhood/Special Education Teacher Licensure

Early Childhood Nursery-Grade 3 Teacher Licensure
ECSE 510 Growth and Development in Early Childhood
ECSE 520 Language Development and Emergent Literacy
ECSE 530 Parenting, Families and Communication
EDUC 507 Developmental Reading
SPEC 516 Exceptional and At-Risk Students in Today's Schools
ECSE 555 Programs for Young Children
ECSE 560 Learning in Social Context
ECSE 576 Primary Curriculum (Grades 1 -3)
ECSE 540 Assessment: Pre-K to Grade 3
ECSE 587 Pre-K to Kindergarten Curriculum
ECSE 580 Student Teaching: Pre-K/Kindergarten (5 weeks)
ECSE 523 Student Teaching: Primary (10 weeks)

 

Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education/Special Education

The master's degree program offers Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 3 specialization.
Core Courses (18 credits) Specialization Choice (12 credits) 
ECSE510 Growth and Development in Early Childhood
ECSE530 Parents, Families and Communication
ECSE555 Programs for Young Children (Foundations)
ECSE560 Learning in a Social Context
ECSE587 Pre-K to Kindergarten Curriculum
EDUC515 Educational Research

 
Nursery to Grade 3 Option
ECSE520 Language Development and Emergent Literacy
ECSE540 Assessment: Pre-K to Grade 3
ECSE576 Primary Curriculum (Grade 1-3)
ECSE580 Student Teaching: Pre-K-K
Note: 15 credits from the Early Childhood/Special Education Teacher Preparation coursework may be applied to the Master of Arts Degree in Early Childhood/Special Education.

 

Matriculation Requirements into the Graduate School for the
Master of Arts Degree and/or Teacher Licensure

Those interested in early childhood teacher licensure should begin the process of acceptance by calling the Licensure Office Assistant for the most streamlined approach: 860.231.5330.
Matriculation to the Graduate School Only Plus Teacher Licensure

To streamline your application, send the following items to:

University of Saint Joseph, School of Education
Attention: Office Manager
1678 Asylum Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06117

  • two sealed, official transcripts of all undergraduate work and any prior graduate work. (Bachelor's degree must be from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum 2.5 GPA. Note: teacher licensure requires 2.67 GPA.)
  • two letters of recommendation including the recommendation letter cover form that attests to the candidate's personal qualifications for work with children and families. (Recommendations must be obtained from individuals who are not family members or personal friends, or members of the USJ School of Education)(PDF: 1p., 46K)
  • Graduate School admission application
  • USJ immunization form (PDF: 2pp., 219K)

To finalize your Graduate School application, make an appointment with a faculty advisor listed below to create a Master of Arts Planned Program of Study.


To apply for admission to teacher licensure, complete these additional items:

  • Passing scores on Praxis I Tests or presentation of waiver. (See Connecticut State Department of Education.)
  • an appointment with the Licensure Officer to create a planned program of teacher licensure course requirements in compliance with Connecticut State Department of Education regulations
  • Interview with the School of Education faculty
  •  Application essay
Exit from the Graduate School Only Exit from the Teacher Licensure Program
  1. Complete core courses and related performance tasks with a B or better: 6 credits-Educational Research and Educational Issues or Public School Law.
  2. Complete concentration area courses with a B or better: 9 credits. Note that courses used in a teacher license program may not be applied to the concentration area.
  3. Complete electives with a B or better: 15 credits unless noted. (These may be drawn from the teacher licensure planned program.)
  4. Pass the comprehensive examination which may be taken at the conclusion of all coursework, by application, in February (October application) or July (April application) exam. To apply please contact your education advisor.  The comprehensive exam questions are designed to assess the student's ability to develop, substantiate, and defend educational decisions based on theory, research, and experience.
  1. Earn a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.67.
  2. Successful completion all coursework on the planned licensure program.
  3. Hold positive teacher-candidate dispositions.
  4. Earn a grade of B or better in Student Teaching with successful completion of all performance tasks.
  5. Earn successful scores on required exams, such as Praxis II, Foundations of Reading test, ACTFL.

 

Early Childhood Course Descriptions

Contacts:

Early Childhood Teacher Licensure

Early Childhood Faculty

School of Education

 

 

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February 7, 2013