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.

• SPED 310 - Critical Issues in Special Education Across the Life Span Semester Hours: 3

Graduation Requirements

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1. Completion of all course requirements for the Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education with an overall GPA of 3.0;
2. Completion of the 35 s.h. course requirements in the Master of Arts in Early Childhood with no fewer than 26 s.h. in residence at Hofstra University;
3. A culminating professional portfolio project successfully completed in Phase III;
4. Completion of the master’s degree within a five-year period.

Professional certificate requirements: Upon successful completion of the Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education, 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 .

Teacher Certification Requirements

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Upon successful completion of degree requirements, students will be eligible to apply for the University’s recommendation for New York state certification. Contact the Office of Educational Support Services, 129 Hagedorn Hall, for information regarding any required Educational Law seminars* and other certification requirements. Forms for applying for certification can be found at the Office of Educational Support Services Web page under the certification tab.

*Please note, as of July 1, 2013, the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education now require a new six-hour seminar for Training in Harassment, Bullying and Discrimination Prevention and Intervention, required under the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA): http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/news/newsitem05162013.html.