Education: Early Childhood Education (PreK-3) Concentration, M.A.T.

Admission Criteria

All criteria are considered when reviewing the candidates for admission to the early childhood graduate programs; however, no one criterion will be the sole reason for lack of admission to the program.

• Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university with grade point average of 2.75 or higher.
• Passing Praxis Core Math and VCLA before beginning the program
• Two professional references
• Content prerequisites based on a transcript review conducted by the program director.
• Faculty interview.
• Admission to Teacher Education by the second semester (Spring) including passing scores on Praxis Subject Assessment (Elementary)
• Prerequisites courses include but are not limited to:
  • PSYC 160. Lifespan Human Development (3 credits)
  • EDUC 300. Foundations of American Education (3 credits)

Program Mission and Outcomes

The mission of the ECED M.A.T. is to prepare professional early childhood teachers who provide developmentally appropriate programming for children in educational settings. Candidates are prepared to:

• make effective decisions about curriculum and instructional methods based on an understanding of the whole child, child development theory and research on best practices;
• interact and communicate effectively with young children;
• assess children’s growth and development using multiple data sources;
• communicate effectively and work cooperatively with parents/families, school personnel and the broader community; and
• engage other professionals, colleagues and administrators in support of children as members of a learning community.

Candidates in the program are expected to demonstrate commitment to their own professional growth and development; to follow standards of ethical professional behavior and practice; to advocate on behalf of all children, their families and early childhood education; and to become educational leaders.

Program Description

The Early Childhood Master of Arts in Teaching program prepares individuals to become successful teachers in PreK-third grade classrooms. Through sequenced courses and accompanying field experiences including student teaching, individuals who complete the 39 graduate credit hour program will earn a Virginia teaching license and a graduate degree.

Additional Information

All candidates must complete an inquiry project and receive passing grades on key assessments before completing the program. The key assessments reflect candidate development and performance throughout the program. The concentration is fully aligned with the standards of National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Student Teaching

Candidates must apply to student teach one year prior to their student teaching semester. At that time, students must be fully accepted into teacher education, be admitted unconditionally to graduate school and have a 3.0 graduate GPA.