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Advance Your Career with a Master's Degree Focused on Inclusive Early Childhood Education for Children from Birth to Age 8.
Turn your passion for early childhood education into advanced expertise that addresses the growing workforce needs of today's early childhood and early elementary settings. The Master of Science in Integrated Early Childhood/Elementary Education and Special Education (Birth-Grade 3) is designed for professionals working across the early childhood continuum who seek to deepen their knowledge of inclusive, developmentally appropriate pedagogy and evidence-based teaching practices.
This general, non-certification master's degree prepares educators to demonstrate advanced Level III Early Childhood Educator Competencies aligned with the NAEYC Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators. Graduates gain the knowledge and skills needed to support diverse learners in integrated Birth-Grade 3 environments and to promote equitable, high-quality learning experiences for all children.
Graduates develop specialized expertise to foster inclusive learning environments and positive outcomes for children with diverse developmental, educational, and social-emotional needs.
Two supervised practicum experiences are required. Students may select placements in infant/toddler, preschool, or early elementary settings. With prior approval from the Field Experience Coordinator and the student's supervisor, practicum experiences may be completed within the student's current workplace.
Additional Note: Although the program title includes Early Childhood/Elementary Education and Special Education, this degree is a non-certification program and does not lead to educator certification or licensure in Connecticut or any other state. Students interested in teaching in public schools in Connecticut or any other state should consult their state's Department of Education regarding certification and licensure requirements.
Accreditation Notice: This program has been approved by the Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education and the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Applications are being accepted.
What Can I Do with This Degree?
- Head Start and Early Head Start programs
- Early care and education centers
- Public and private schools (non-certified positions only)
- Community-based organizations
- Colleges and universities
- Educational leadership and administrative settings
What Jobs Can I Apply For?
An M.S. in Integrated Early Childhood/Elementary Education and Special Education (Birth-Grade 3) can help prepare you for positions such as:
- Preschool Teacher (non-certified positions only)
- Lead Teacher (Head Start, Early Head Start, School Readiness, and private programs)
- Special Education Paraeducator in a variety of settings serving children Birth to Age 8
- Before- and After-School Program Coordinator
- Early Childhood Program Director or Coordinator
- Instructional Coach
- Early Childhood Curriculum Specialist
- Higher Education Faculty or Instructor
- Community Program Coordinator
- Family Support Specialist
- Case Manager
- Educational Consultant
- Early Childhood Leader and Advocate
And many other roles that support young children, families, and educators working in inclusive learning environments.
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Interested in career and salary prospects in your area? Visit our Career Outlook Planner to learn more about employment trends, salary expectations, and career opportunities in your region.
- 100% Online Coursework - Accelerated 8-week terms
- Dedicated Advising throughout degree program
- Low Tuition and Federal Financial Aid available for qualified students
- Cohort based course sequence keeps program peers together
- Flexible graduate-level pathway for educators to work across the Birth-Grade 3 continuum
- Innovative program emphasis on early intervention with special education offers a comprehensive approach to educator training
- Program aligned with state of Connecticut employment needs for a well-qualified, inclusive Birth - Grade 3 workforce
- Practicum assistance from Practicum Director
- Charter Oak ARC alums receive 6 credits
- Expert Faculty with extensive experience in the early childhood field
- A leader in graduating Connecticut residents in early childhood education
- EDU 501: Integrated Foundations of American Education3 credits
- Inclusive Language and Literacy Development3 credits
- The Role of Play in Integrated Education3 credits
- EDU 530: Infant & Toddler Curriculum Development
or
EDU 541: Early Elementary Curriculum3 credits - EDU 540: Pre-K-K Curriculum Development3 credits
- Elementary Literacy/Lang Arts K-33 credits
- Advanced SPED Methods PreK- 33 credits
- EDU 511 Integ Ed Program Models Family Partnerships3 credits
- Assistive Tech and Behavior Supports3 credits
- EDU 575 ECE/SPED Assessment & Diagnosis3 credits
- PreK-K Integrated Practicum3 credits
- Infant and Toddler Practicum
or
Early Elementary Practicum3 credits - Integrated ECE/Elementary Education Capstone3 credits
Students who graduate with a M.S. in Integrated Early Childhood/Elementary and Special Education (Birth-Grade 3)will be able to:
- apply low-inference observation and multiple assessments to document children's development and learning, interpret results, and inform instruction/intervention in inclusive PK-3 classrooms. [PS&C: 1a, 1b, 1c, 3a, 3b, 3c | CAEP: R1.1, R1.3, R2.3, R5.2];
- design and deliver evidence-based, developmentally appropriate, and culturally/linguistically responsive instruction in emergent/early literacy (oral language, phonological awareness, decoding, fluency, comprehension, writing) for diverse PK-3 learners. [PS&C: 4a, 4b, 4c, 5a, 5b | CAEP: R1.2, R1.3, R2.3];
- plan and implement standards-aligned, developmentally appropriate mathematics and integrated content (science/social studies/arts) that build conceptual understanding and problem-solving in PK-3. [PS&C: 4a, 4b, 4c, 5a, 5c | CAEP: R1.2, R1.3, R2.3];
- differentiate instruction; design, implement, and monitor supports (including IEP/IFSP-aligned strategies); collaborate with specialists; and use assistive/educational technology to ensure access and progress for children with disabilities and multilingual learners. [PS&C: 1c, 1d, 4a, 4b, 4c | CAEP: R1.1, R1.3, R2.3, R3.3];
- build reciprocal relationships with families; communicate findings and next steps clearly; and connect school and community resources to support children's learning and well-being. [PS&C: 2a, 2b, 2c | CAEP: R1.4, R2.1, R2.2, R4.2, R4.3];
- apply culturally and linguistically responsive pedagogy; create affirming learning environments; and use data to identify and close opportunity gaps in PK-3. [PS&C: 1b, 2a, 2c, 4a, 6a, 6b | CAEP: R1.1, R1.4, R3.1, R4.1, R5.4]; and
- engage in ethical practice, reflective inquiry, and data-informed improvement; collaborate across general/special education; and advocate for equitable PK-3 policies and practices. [PS&C: 6a, 6b, 6c | CAEP: R1.4, R3.2, R3.3, R4.3, R5.1].
- 100% online
- Credit for credentials
- Six (6) start dates
- Expert Faculty