Early Childhood Administration, M.Ed.

This online-only program is designed for current and aspiring leaders in the field of early childhood care and education. The curriculum provides students with a review and higher level understanding of child development, early childhood curriculum, discipline and guidance, family systems, assessment, social and cultural diversity and professional ethics. It also covers staff management and human relations, educational programming, legal and fiscal management, marketing and public relations, facilities management, technology and leadership and advocacy.

Students admitted into this program will have the opportunity to work toward attainment of the Illinois Director Credential (Level III Credential) while fulfilling the requirements for their graduate degree. Visit the Illinois Professional Development System for more details.

Concurrent work in an early childhood setting is strongly encouraged for all enrolled students.

Program Details:

  • Requires 34 SH for completion 

Required Courses

M.Ed. Core - 9 SH

ECE 504Human Development: Infancy and Childhood

3

ECE 523Historical and Philosophical Foundations of Early Childhood Education

3

ESR 505Educational Inquiry and Assessment

3

Program Requirements - 25 SH

ECE 510Child, Family and Community

3

ECE 512Early Childhood Curriculum

2

ECE 515Financial and Legal Aspects of Early Child Care Management

3

ECE 521Writing and Effective Communication for Early Childhood Education Administrators

1

ECE 525Strategies for Supervision and Staff Development

.5 TO 3

ECE 538The Early Childhood Administrator: Individual and Organizational Perspectives

2

ECE 540Grant Writing and Fundraising for Early Childhood Programs

2

ECE 542Public Relations and Marketing of Early Childhood Programs

2

ECE 544Early Childhood Environments: Design and Facilities Management

2

ECE 582IWorkshop/Administration/Leadership Connections

2

EPS 526Organizational Theory, Group Dynamics and Leadership Applications

.5 TO 3

Notes: ECE 525 and EPS 526 must be taken for 3 semester hours. ECE 582I must be taken for 2 semester hours.