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 Learning Outcomes (PLOs):
PLO1. Understands the contextual nature of learning
PLO2. Constructs their own knowledge
PLO3. Integrates theory and practice
PLO4. Assess, reflects upon, and critiques their own knowledge, practice, schools and society
PLO5. Engages in inquiry
PLO6. Collaborates with students, teachers, administrators, parents and the community at large
PLO7. Advocates for young children and their families
Program Details:
- Requires 34 SH for completion
Required Courses
M.Ed. Core - 9 SH
| ECE 504 | Human Development: Infancy and Childhood | 3 |
| ECE 523 | Historical and Philosophical Foundations of Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| EDU 505 | Educational Inquiry and Assessment | 3 |
Program Requirements - 25 SH
| ECE 510 | Child, Family and Community | 3 |
| ECE 512 | Early Childhood Curriculum | 2 |
| ECE 515 | Financial and Legal Aspects of Early Child Care Management | 3 |
| ECE 521 | Writing and Effective Communication for Early Childhood Education Administrators | 1 |
| ECE 525 | Strategies for Supervision and Staff Development | .5 TO 3 |
| ECE 527 | Organizational Theory, Group Dynamics, and Leadership Applications | .5 TO 3 |
| ECE 538 | The Early Childhood Administrator: Individual and Organizational Perspectives | 2 |
| ECE 540 | Grant Writing and Fundraising for Early Childhood Programs | 2 |
| ECE 542 | Public Relations and Marketing of Early Childhood Programs | 2 |
| ECE 544 | Early Childhood Environments: Design and Facilities Management | 2 |
| ECE 582I | Workshop/Administration/Leadership Connections | 2 |