The graduate program in Childhood Education leads to a master's degree and New York State initial certification in Childhood Education for grades 1 to 6. The program builds on the general education and liberal arts majors or concentrations that candidates acquired in their undergraduate educations and develops their understanding of child development, curriculum design, instructional practices, and the integration of technology in teaching and learning. The program's clinical component begins with field experiences in local schools linked to early program courses. It develops candidates' teaching skills though opportunities to observe good teaching, then to begin teaching one-on-one, with small groups, and then with a whole class. It culminates with a full semester of student teaching. Candidates are not expected to have an undergraduate major in education.

What the Childhood Education program offers you:

• Career preparation in a valued profession that makes a difference
• Eligibility for NYS certification as a teacher of Childhood Education, Grades 1-6
• Opportunities to nurture children's cognitive, social, emotional and physical development
• Guided experiences that develop effective instructional strategies with and without technology
• Development as a reflective practitioner, integrating learning theory with classroom practice
• Caring, creative learning environments with faculty committed to excellence in education

Certification Extensions to Middle School Level are also available.