Graduate Programs
Graduate Program: M.A. Child Development Birth-Kdg
The Advanced Birth-through-Kindergarten license provides an advanced, integrative program for teachers and other professionals working with young children with typical and atypical developmental characteristics. The program systematically incorporates focused laboratory and community-based field experiences with young children and their families to meet the following goals:
Demonstrate advanced knowledge of research and theories regarding typical and atypical growth and development of children from birth through 5.
Demonstrate advanced skill in application of research to the design and adaptation of appropriate, inclusive learning environments for young children.
Demonstrate advanced skill in designing, adapting, and evaluating curriculum to promote integration of young children with varying levels of development and ability.
Develop cultural competence and skill in working with families, based on knowledge of family systems and dynamics.
Direct personal and professional growth as a reflective practitioner.
Develop advanced skills in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data, and applying findings to program evaluation and long-range planning.
Demonstrate skill in transdisciplinary collaboration and professional leadership.
Candidates may select one of three concentrations: teaching, administration, and allied personnel. The teaching concentration is designed to meet the NC advanced master’s competencies for master teachers. The administration and allied personnel concentrations provide advanced study for professionals in the field who work with young children and their families in diverse roles including consultants, program coordinators, supervisors, and staff development trainers. These three concentrations develop the graduates’ research and evaluation expertise and community leadership in early childhood programs.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
To earn the Master of Arts degree in Child Development in the administration or the allied personnel concentrations, students must meet the following prerequisites:
• Formal admission to the Cratis Williams Graduate Program
• A Bachelor’s degree in Child Development or a related field from an accredited institution
• FCS 2101 and 2104 or 1100 or equivalent
• FDN 4600 Educational Statistics or equivalent
• SPE 4595 Individual Differences or equivalent
• Proficiency in appropriate educational technology
To earn the Master of Arts degree in Child Development in the teaching concentration, students must meet the following criteria:
• Formal admission to the Cratis Williams Graduate Program
• A Bachelor’s degree in Child Development or a related field from an accredited institution
• A North Carolina “A” teaching license in B-K, or a comparable license in another state
• FDN 4600 Educational Statistics or equivalent
