Admission Criteria

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New York State Initial Certificate to teach Early Childhood or Childhood Education.

1. 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.
2. Two letters of reference addressing the applicant’s success in the teaching profession and the capacity to undertake graduate study.
3. A written personal statement of professional intent and rationale.
4. 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.

Program Requirements - Semester Hours: 35

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Students must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in order to remain 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. Students must receive a grade of B or higher in all required nonelective courses in the program.

• SPED 310 - Issues in Infant, Toddler, Preschool, Parent and Family Involvement Programs Credits: 3 s.h.

Graduation Requirements

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1. Completion of all course requirements for the M.A: Early Childhood Education with an overall GPA of 3.0;
2. Completion of the 35 s.h. course requirements in the M.A.: Early Childhood with no fewer than 26 s.h. in residence at Hofstra University;
3. A culminating Professional Portfolio Project successfully completed in Phase 3;
4. Completion of the master’s degree within a 5-year period.

Professional Certificate Requirements: Upon successful completion of the M.A.: Early Childhood, students are eligible to be recommended by the University for New York State Professional Certification in Early Childhood. Additional information pertaining to certification can be found in the School of Education and Allied Human Services.

Teacher Certification Requirements

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Upon successful completion of a teacher education program, students will be eligible to apply for the University’s recommendation for New York State Certification. For Initial Certification, students are required 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 (CST’s). Students not receiving passing scores on all New York State required examinations will not be eligible for certification. In addition, all students who are recommended by Hofstra’s Advisement and Certification Office must attend seminars in Child Abuse and Maltreatment, Substance Abuse, Fire and Arson and Safe Schools Against Violence (Project SAVE). It is strongly recommended that students complete the Liberal Arts and Sciences Test (LAST) prior to student teaching and the ATS-W and the appropriate CST during student teaching. Please contact the Advisement and Certification Office for information regarding the fingerprinting requirement and any other specific requirements regarding certification.