Early Childhood Education

Office: Lawrence Street Center, 701
Telephone: 303-315-6300
Fax: 303-315-6311
E-mail: education@ucdenver.edu
Website: www.ucdenver.edu/education

Faculty

More information about faculty in this division is available online at www.ucdenver.edu/education.

Early Childhood Education Program

The Early Childhood Education (ECE) program leads to a master’s degree in early childhood education and/or licensure or added endorsement in early childhood special education (ECSE). The program prepares early education leaders who will enrich the life experience of young children (ages birth to 8 years) and their families through a variety of professional roles.

ECE Program students may select from three program options:

The ECE program is interdisciplinary in focus, drawing on university resources and the clinical expertise of various community professionals. There is a strong emphasis on fieldwork and practicum experiences in both regular and special education concentrations. Field experiences are a part of each course and provide an opportunity for each student to gain knowledge, abilities and dispositions while interacting with children, families, program staff and community agencies. Practicum experiences are designed to allow students to apply knowledge and practice skills in a closely supervised environment.

The MA in ECE and ECSE focus share course content in:

literacy development and disorders
child growth and development, differences and disorders
learning approaches with young children
measurement and evaluation
multicultural education
research methods and current issues
early childhood curriculum and program development for inclusive classrooms
working collaboratively with parents and families
program administration/leadership

The early childhood special education program provides specialized preparation in:

screening and assessment of young children
intervention strategies with infants and preschoolers
behavior management
working as a member of the transdisciplinary team
cognitive and socio-emotional development and disorders
treatment of children who have neurological impairment and chronic illness
challenging behaviors and autism

Program Requirements

Semester Hour Requirements:

MA in ECE: 30 semester hours
ECSE specialist license: 33 semester hours
MA in ECE plus ECSE specialist license: 39 semester hours
MA in ECE plus ECSE specialist added endorsement: 33 semester hours
ECSE specialist added endorsement: 24 semester hours

Fieldwork and Practicum Requirements

For the MA in ECE plus the ECSE specialist initial license, a total of 800 hours of fieldwork/practica is required. Approximately 290 hours of fieldwork are associated with course assignments; 510 hours of intense, culminating practica occur toward the end of the second year of study. Students seeking an added endorsement in ECSE specialist complete 510 hours of practicum experiences.