Graduate Program in Early Childhood Education (birth-grade 2)

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

Passion. Knowledge. Purpose.

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.

 

Bilingual Extension

The College of Saint Rose offers the 12-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.

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.

 

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.

 

Admission Requirements

• A completed Saint Rose graduate school application;
• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
• Official transcripts from all colleges/universtities attended;
• An undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0;
• 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 expresssion (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.