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School of Teacher Education


Master of Arts in Education Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education, Birth to Primary, for Teacher Leaders

Program #0461

Program Description

The program is designed to prepare early childhood educators to provide leadership in working with children with and without special needs, ages birth through kindergarten and their families. Courses and experiences include Professional Learning Communities in which students interact with other graduate students from various content areas and grade levels to discuss and work on real world challenges and promising practices they encounter in schools and other settings with early childhood programs. IECE program graduates are qualified to work with children from birth to entry into the primary program.  This includes teaching children in kindergarten or other programs for five-year-olds if those programs are operated separately from the primary program. Graduates are prepared for positions in public schools, First Steps, Head Start programs, child care centers, and other public and private agencies serving young children and families.  In addition, graduates may serve in leadership roles, such as preschool consultant, professional development provider, child evaluation specialist, etc.

This degree program is designed for individuals who have prior teaching certification in IECE.  The 36-hour program of study consists of 15 semester hours of professional education coursework, 12 semester hours of required specialization courses, and 9 semester hours of specialization electives approved by the advisor.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission, applicants must:

  • WKU Graduate:Applicants who are alumni of WKU teacher preparation programs must hold or be eligible for a teaching certificate for Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education. Applicants must submit a copy of the teaching certificate or Statement of Eligibility with the application.
  • Graduate of a Kentucky Higher Education Institution Other Than WKU:Applicants who completed their initial certification program at another Kentucky institution must have earned at least a 2.75 GPA for all previous coursework (undergraduate and graduate) and must hold or be eligible for a teaching certificate for Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education. Applicants must submit a copy of the teaching certificate or Statement of Eligibility with the application. 
  • Graduate of an Out-of-State Institution of Higher Education:  Applicants who completed their initial certification program at an out-of state institution must have earned at least a 2.75 GPA for all previous coursework (undergraduate and graduate) and must hold or be eligible for a teaching certificate for Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education. Applicants must submit a copy of the teaching certificate or Statement of Eligibility with the application. 
  • Applicants with undergraduate degrees from all other accrediteduniversitieswith a GPA lower than 2.75 (undergraduate and graduate) must achieve a GAP score[(GRE-V + GRE-Q) added to (GPA X 100)] of 550 or higher. The 550 score must include a GRE Verbal Reasoning score of 139 or higher, a GRE Quantitative Reasoning score of 139 or higher, and a GRE Analytical Writing score of 3.5 or higher. For GRE scores prior to August 1, 2011, a GAP score (GRE score multiplied by the undergraduate GPA) of 2200 or higher and a GRE Analytical Writing score of 3.5 or higher is required. In addition, applicants must have a valid teaching certificate for interdisciplinary early childhood education. A copy of the teaching certificate must be submitted with the application.

Degree Requirements

Professional Education Component Courses Hours
 TCHL 500 Foundations of Teacher Leadership 3
IECE 530 Advanced IECE Curriculum Development 3
TCHL 560 Action Research Capstone for Teacher Leaders 3
IECE 520 Organizing Programs for IECE 3
IECE 550 Advanced IECE Assessment 3
Specialization Courses
TCHL 520 Principles of Action Research for Teacher Leaders 3
CFS 577 Seminar in Child Development Research or advisor approved elective 3
CD 486G Language Disorders or advisor approved elective 3
IECE 423 G Interdisciplinary Services for Young Children with Low Incidence Disabilities 3
Advisor Approved Electives
Elective 1 3
Elective 2 3
Elective 3 3
Total Program Hours 36

Program Completion Requirements

Candidates must successfully complete TCHL 560 Action Research Capstone for Teacher Leaders (course grade of C or higher) and present research results in an approved venue.

 

CONTACT THE SCHOOL OF TEACHER EDUCATION

 

Gary A. Ransdell Hall, Office 1005

1906 College Heights Blvd. #11030,
Bowling Green, KY 42101-1030


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 Last Modified 9/11/18