Early Childhood Education (Birth - Grade 2)
Master of Science in Education

A master's degree in early childhood education is increasingly necessary for those seeking to work in a preschool environment. Earning this degree helps early childhood educators gain flexibility in their current positions and expand their job opportunities. Graduates of the Saint Rose master's program in early childhood education are qualified for leadership roles in preschool education.

The Saint Rose Difference
The College of Saint Rose is the only institution of higher education in the Capital Region that offers a master's degree in early childhood education.

In the Saint Rose Early Childhood Education master's program, students learn about the various needs of young learners by performing some of their field experiences in high-needs school districts. In addition to completing nearly 100 hours of field experiences prior to student teaching, all students complete a research seminar, EDU 590, oriented toward action research in schools. Consequently, students produce credible, original research, often with potential for publication.

Small classes create an atmosphere of collegiality where students can interact and develop a network of colleagues as they are guided and facilitated by College faculty and supervisors who have had experiences in diverse classroom settings and who exemplify the reflective, scholarly, caring education professional.

Certification
This program is designed for students who do not hold initial certification in Early Childhood Education and it provides the education course work required for initial and professional certification for teaching in Birth through Grade 2 in New York state and reciprocal states.

Bilingual Extension
The College of Saint Rose offers the 13-credit Bilingual Extension to classroom teachers who are seeking certification to teach in bilingual (Spanish/English) classroom settings. The program is designed to provide the theoretical and practical knowledge that teachers must have to address the unique needs of bilingual learners. Students must earn passing scores on the New York State Target Language (Spanish) Proficiency Assessment (prior to taking the Introduction to Spanish Linguistics course) and the New York State English Language Proficiency Assessment in order to become certified in bilingual education in New York.

Career Opportunities
Saint Rose education alumni are a major force in the teaching profession, especially in the greater Capital Region. In fact, about one-third of the teachers in the Capital Region hold at least one degree from Saint Rose.

Graduates of the master's program in early childhood education are qualified to work as early childhood center administrators; day care center educators or directors; education consultants to private agencies; nursery school teachers; state education department professionals; and editors/writers of children's books and materials.

Field Experience
The Saint Rose program in early childhood education includes a one-semester student teaching experience comprised of two placements and a corresponding student teaching seminar. Before student teaching, students complete a 20-hour field experience in their placement school that involves a thorough analysis of home, school, student, and community composition and dynamics. These field experiences provide students with an understanding of the culture of the school—an understanding that enhances their ability to meet the needs of diverse populations.

On-site supervisors of student teachers meet regularly with faculty from the School of Education to discuss the ways in which they can better prepare graduate students to meet the challenges of today's diverse school settings. In addition, our faculty spends time with each student serving as mentors and providing guidance with career objectives.

Admission Requirements

• A completed Saint Rose graduate
  school application;
• A baccalaureate degree from an
  accredited institution;
• Official transcripts from all colleges/
  universities attended;
• An undergraduate grade point average of
  at least 3.0; and
• General education requirements (33-36 credits): college-level study in the areas of English (9 credits), social science (6 credits), mathematics (6 credits), science (6 credits), technology (3 credits), artistic expression (3 credits), and foreign language (3 credits).
• Academic concentration prerequisites (30 credits): concentration or major in a liberal art or science (e.g., art, American studies, biology, chemistry, earth science, English, general science, mathematics, music, physics, psychology, Spanish, or social studies.
• International students must submit original, official transcripts, translated into English by their college/university or professional independent evaluator; a copy and translation of the original diploma; and a minimum score of 550 on the written or 213 on the computer-aided Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), and a copy of their alien registration card.

Deadlines:
While Saint Rose Graduate School applications may be obtained from Graduate and Continuing Education Admissions, we encourage applicants to use our convenient
online application.

June 1:
Preferred Deadline for Fall Admission

October 15:
Preferred Deadline for Spring Admission

March 15:
Preferred Deadline for Summer Admission

There is no guarantee that applications received after deadlines can be reviewed in a timely enough manner to ensure matriculation and registration for the upcoming term.

Financial Aid Opportunities The College of Saint Rose offers a variety of academic and some need-based scholarships for graduate students. Interested students should contact Graduate and Continuing Education Admissions for specific details. Academic, Cultural Diversity & International Scholarships Application deadline: June 30 for Fall October 30 for Spring Graduate Assistantships Application deadline: June 1 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Application deadline: May 1 Deferred Payment Plan Employer Assistance Internship in Special Education A full-year paid internship opportunity is available for those applicants who possess provisional or initial certification in elementary, secondary, or special education. We understand that earning an advanced degree is a serious investment. That's why we invite you to tour our campus and speak with an admissions counselor.

Penny Axelrod, Ed.D. Teachers College, Columbia University. Expertise: Special Education; Learning Disabilities; Psychoeducational Assessment; Literacy Instruction

Steven Birchak, Ed.D. University of Northern Colorado. Expertise: Counselor Education; Character Education

Marguerite Lodico, Ed.D. University of Houston. Expertise: Educational Psychology; Child Development; Educational Research

Tosha Burnie-Grimmer, Ed.M.
Harvard University Graduate School of Education. Expertise: Human Development and Psychology; Child Development; Literacy; Teacher Development

Margaret McLane, Ph.D. University at Albany, SUNY. Expertise: Educational Psychology and Special Education; Social Skills of Students with Disabilities, especially in General Education Settings; Inclusive Educational Practices; Collaboration and Co-Teaching; Action Research

Heta-Maria Miller, Ph.D. University at Albany, SUNY. Expertise: Motivation; Classroom Management; Classroom Assessment

Carol Rasowsky, Ph.D. (Cand.)
University at Albany, SUNY. Expertise: Educational Psychology; Early Childhood Special Education; Collaboration in Inclusive Early Childhood Settings

Kathleen Scott, Ph.D. University at Albany, SUNY. Expertise: Literacy: Reading and Writing

Dean Spaulding, Ph.D. University at Albany, SUNY. Expertise: Educational Psychology and Statistics

Katherine Voegtle, Ph.D. University of Cincinnati. Expertise: Cognitive Psychology; Child Development; Gay/Lesbian Allies; Lifespan Development

Theresa Ward, Ed.D. University of Central Florida. Expertise: Curriculum and Instruction; Whole-school Reform; Co-teaching and Collaboration as it Relates to Inclusive Education and Diverse Learners