Mar 29, 2024  
2007-2008 Graduate Studies Bulletin 
    
2007-2008 Graduate Studies Bulletin [ARCHIVED BULLETIN]

Early Childhood Education, M.S.Ed.


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Professor Fromberg, Graduate Program Director, (516) 463-5779, Doris.P.Fromberg@hofstra.edu

The master’s program in early childhood education is offered by the department of curriculum and teaching. This integrated program leads toward the New York state initial certificate to teach early childhood (Birth-Grade 2). The program blends on-campus preparation with field experiences in a variety of early childhood settings, including high-needs schools, culminating in full-time student teaching. This program is registered with the New York State Education Department.

Admission Critera for the Early Childhood Education Program



Admission to the master of science in education program in the department of curriculum and teaching is contingent upon the following:

  1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a liberal arts and sciences concentration.
  2. A minimum GPA of 2.75 in each of two categories:
    1. Overall undergraduate course work.
    2. Course work in the liberal arts and sciences.
    3. Applicants with a GPA of 2.5-2.75 may be accepted provisionally, subject to special conditions.
  3. General Education Core prerequisites for teacher education programs (see below).
  4. A written personal statement of professional intent and rationale.
  5. Two letters of reference addressing the applicant’s potential to succeed in the teaching profession and graduate course work.
  6. An interview with the program director.

The department understands that any single criterion may not reliably predict a student’s potential for success in the program. Students may consider applying even if they fail to meet one of the criteria but feel that other aspects of their experience might compensate.

General Education Core Requirements


In order to ensure that prospective teachers have a broad education in the liberal arts and sciences, all students must have completed undergraduate course work from each of the content areas below.
   1.     Artistic Expression/Humanities, 3 s.h.
   2.     Communication, 3 s.h.
   3.     Information Retrieval, (0-3 s.h.; can be satisfied with passing score on exam)
   4.    Historical and Social Science Concepts, 3 s.h.
   5.     Language other than English, (0-3 s.h.; depending on placement)
   6.     Scientific Processes, 3 s.h.
   7.     Mathematical Processes, 3 s.h.
   8.     Written Analysis and Expression, 6 s.h.

Please note that programs may have general education requirements that exceed the minimum registered with the state. Degrees will not be conferred unless all general education core deficiencies have been met.

Program Requirements - Semester Hours: 38



Early Childhood Education Major Requirements

Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 while in the program. Grades of D or lower will not be counted toward the graduate degree but will be included in determining the grade point average. Grades lower than B do not confer credit in required (non-elective) courses in the program. Students may repeat courses to meet grade point average requirements.

Phase I - Semester Hours: 7


Admission to the M.S. in Education Early Childhood Education Program

  • SPED 210 - The Creative Arts in Special Education, 3 s.h
*see footnote

Phase III - Semester Hours: 9


Admission to Student Teaching

Field Experiences Before Student Teaching


Prospective teachers in the early childhood education program complete a minimum of 120 clock hours (15 clock hours in each designated course) as participant observers in designated schools prior to student teaching. Placements are arranged by the Office of Field Placement. At least one placement in a pre-kindergarten or kindergarten will be spent in a high-needs site recognized by the New York State Education Department. Students in SPED 210 will participate on site with special-needs Birth-Grade 2 children. Field experiences before student teaching with children in each of the three early childhood groups, pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and grades 1-2 are integrated with the following courses:

Student Teaching Prerequisites


  1. Program Phase II and General Education Core must be completed prior to student teaching.
  2. Application forms for student teaching are available in the Office of Field Placement and are accepted by October 1 or March 1 for the succeeding semester.
  3. Students must have a cumulative minimum overall GPA of 3.0 in graduate course work.

Graduation Requirements


  1. Completion of General Education Core requirements.
  2. Completion of all course requirements for the Master of Science in Education in Early Childhood Education with an overall GPA of 3.0.
  3. Completion of the 38 s.h. course requirements in the M.S. in Education in Early Childhood Education program with no fewer than 32 s.h. in residence at Hofstra University.
  4. An electronic portfolio, illustrating the student’s education course work and professional accomplishments.
  5. A passing score on the departmental comprehensive examination or departmentally authorized equivalent (no degree credit).
  6. The completion of the master’s degree within a five-year period.

Footnotes


*Fifteen clock hours of field work required in each designated course.

Teacher Certification


Upon successful completion of a school-based program, students will be eligible to apply for the University’s recommendation for New York state certification. The state requires applicants to have passing scores on each of the New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE): the Liberal Arts and Sciences Test (LAST), the Assessment of Teaching Skills-Written (ATS-W), and the appropriate Content Specialty Tests (CSTs). The state will not issue certification to individuals not receiving passing scores on all New York examinations. In addition to pedagogical studies, the Commissioner’s Regulations require that all school-based programs provide students with instruction for the purpose of  identification of child abuse and maltreatment; fire and arson prevention; prevention of alcohol, tobacco, and drug abuse; School Violence Prevention and Intervention (SAVE); and highway and school safety/prevention of child abduction. No degrees will be conferred without the completion of all of these requirements. Please contact the Office of Certification and Educational Support Services for information regarding fingerprinting, examinations and seminars. 

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