Masters Degrees (Early Childhood Education)

This MA offers you the opportunity to explore current issues within early childhood education in national and international contexts, and can open up a wide range of career opportunities in areas including childcare management, lecturing and research.

It focuses on the crucial role that experiences in early education play in producing happy, healthy and successful children. Drawing on your own professional experience, practice and interests you'll be able to research and develop specialist areas of expertise within this field.

Specifically, our re-validated course provides an exciting new opportunity to:
• Engage in rigorous and critical professional development
• Explore issues of relevance to your own workplace
• Enhance your skills in research and critical enquiry
• Investigate the latest research
• Innovate and lead practice

Visit the website: https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/courses/postgraduate/early-childhood-education.aspx

Course detail

The range of modules is designed to reflect the range of expertise and specialisms within the Early Childhood Directorate teaching team, who are passionate about using insights from their research to enhance your learning experience. You will have the opportunity to develop your own research and specialist areas of expertise, based on personal interests and professional experiences. We encourage you to gain experience as a researcher, and there may be opportunities to get involved in research projects and student internships within the Faculty of Education.

You will study a core module at the outset which will help you develop an understanding of Level 7 learning and the importance of reflection on practice, as you begin to develop effective Level 7 writing skills and abilities.

• Professional Development through Research, Reflection and Professional Practice (core 20 credit module)

As you progress you will have the opportunity to develop these skills further in a range of optional 20 credit modules. Options include the following although some combinations may be limited due to your mode of study (full/part¬time). All modules are subject to change.

• Early Childhood Education: Curricular and Pedagogical Approaches (optional)
• Leading Quality Practice in Early Childhood Education (optional)
• Policy and Practice in Early Childhood Education (optional)
• Learning Outdoors in Early Childhood (optional)
• Children’s Lives in Context: Historical and International Perspectives (optional)
• Children and Charities in Early Childhood Education (optional)
• Early Childhood Education for Sustainability (optional)
• Early Childhood Education: Negotiated Project (optional)

The final 60 credits of the course are designed to enable you to demonstrate self-direction and originality in conducting an independent research study into a specialist area in early childhood education.

Suitability

The MA attracts a wide range of graduates from a variety of backgrounds not necessarily Early Years related but those who wish to expand and deepen their knowledge of young children from birth to 8 years. Throughout the course you will have the opportunity to engage in extracurricular activities hosted by the University such as conferences, open lectures, and visits to early years settings.

Format

You'll study using a variety of learning and teaching strategies involving you as an active participant in the process of learning and teaching depending upon the mode of delivery. Modules typically consist of a series of lectures, workshops and seminars which are delivered over the course of seven weeks. Some modules may be offered on a blended basis combining face to face Saturday sessions with access to online learning resources. Blended delivery is particularly appropriate where the module content demands experiential learning and some sessions may include field work as well as classroom based activities. It is also appropriate for modules such as the Negotiated Project where students are encouraged to further their own specific research interests with one-to-one tutor support.

All learning will be supported through the use of the University Virtual Learning Environment (Blackboard) as well as other digital media. Individual tutorials are offered to students in all modules and individual supervision forms an essential part of work on the dissertation. The module tutor or the Programme Director will act as your personal tutor.

Assessment

The programme uses a range of assessment types including presentations, action research reports, reflective commentaries, literature reviews and document analysis. You will also complete a 15,000 word dissertation based on your research interests.

What can I do next?

As a programme of rigorous and critical professional development, the MA Early Childhood Education can open up a wide range of opportunities. Graduates from the MA Early Childhood Education have been successful in pursuing careers in a variety of different professional contexts with roles including Lecturer in Early Years, Nursery Manager, Childrens Centre Manager, Deputy Headteacher (primary) and Creative Early Years Specialist. Some students have gone on to enroll on doctoral programmes and to undertake a PhD based on their particular research interests.

How to apply

For information on how to apply, please follow this link: https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/how-to-apply/how-to-apply.aspx

Funding

-Masters Loans-

From 2016/17 government loans of up to £10,000 are available for postgraduate Masters study. The loans will be paid directly to students by the Student Loans Company and will be subject to both personal and course eligibility criteria.

For more information available here: https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/funding-your-degree/funding-your-postgraduate-degree.aspx

-2017/18 Entry Financial Support-

Information on alternative funding sources is available here: https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/funding-your-degree/2017-18-entry-financial-support.aspx

Read less

This contemporary Masters from Liverpool John Moores University is aimed at graduates and graduate practitioners keen to examine international approaches to early childhood education (ECE).

•Unique in the UK, this contemporary Masters degree invites graduates and graduate-level practitioners to explore international approaches to early childhood education (ECE)

•Compare Montessori’s ideas with other approaches

•Learn from highly respected, research-active staff and early childhood professionals

•Critically engage with the theoretical and practical issues of ECE

•Enhance your learning with a European placement (also open to international students)

•This course will only run subject to minimum numbers

The programme comprises philosophy modules, research modules and international policy modules.

The philosophy modules emphasise a critical view of educational knowledge, the research modules consider the methodological implications of research skills and the international policy modules focus on the practical application of global childhood education. All of these themes then converge in the Dissertation module.

The course is taught by research-active staff with practical experience and close links to education providers in Sweden (Gothenburg) and Italy (Reggio Emilia). You can enhance your academic learning with a two month Erasmus work placement, gaining a valuable insight into the impact of different European cultures on their approaches to education.


The course can be studied full or part time. There are timetabled study sessions one day a week, with the emphasis on independent, self-guided study. The two month placement is, however, full time.

On joining the course you will be allocated a personal tutor who, alongside programme and module leaders and administrators, will be on hand to offer guidance throughout the course.

You will also have access to:

•24 hour learning support via Blackboard

•an MRes introductory weekend

•various programme, student and module guides

•LJMU counselling services

Please see guidance below on core and option modules for further information on what you will study.
Research Methods
You will identify and critically evaluate different research methodologies and methods pertinent to research with young children.

Philosophies of Early Childhood Education
This module explores personal views around the purpose of education and progresses to critically reflect on different philosophies of Education in relation to early childhood education, such as Maria Montessori and Reggio Emilia. In doing so you will develop and identify a personal philosophy of education.

The Critically Reflective Practitioner
This module involves critically reflecting on personal values, beliefs and assumptions in relation to early childhood practice. You will demonstrate the implications of relevant theory and research on your own practice having engaged in a critically reflective process.

ECE Curricula in an International Context
This module will enable you to develop a critically reflexive lens in exploring ideologies within a framework of curriculum theory in an international context.


Democracy and Participation in ECE
This module will develop your critical understanding of the rationale, issues and debates related to enhancing the democratic participation of diverse groups of young children in a range of education and care contexts in order to plan for future research and practice.

Global Issues, Childhoods and Education
This module critically examines contemporary global issues affecting children and their families drawing on key debates in education and care. In doing so, you will use your comprehensive knowledge base to focus on a global case study pertinent to early childhood education and care and critically analyse it.

Dissertation
This module will provide you with the opportunity to integrate the skills, facts, theory and practice that have been developed as part of engaging with the previous modules. You will design and carry out an empirically based research project.

Read less

About the course

This course blends distance learning with face-to-face teaching. It’s open to early childhood professionals anywhere in the world, including early years practitioners, FE and HE lecturers, teachers, nursery nurses, voluntary and independent providers, and inspectors and managers working in areas relevant to early childhood.

Wherever you are in the world, you’ll develop the skills you need to carry out high-quality educational research relevant to your own culture. Those skills include a clearer understanding of the policies, practice and theories that underpin your work. You’ll discuss international approaches and educational change with leading experts.

Your career

We offer postgraduate courses that will launch your career in education or aid your continuing professional development.

Our graduates work in the UK and overseas in schools, universities, and local and national government. Some are teachers and lecturers. Others use their skills in policy development, education, administration, psychology and social work.

About us

We value creative teaching that challenges inequalities in the education system. We believe in increasing opportunities for education, for everyone. Our research has a direct impact on educational theory, policy and practice. We’re supporting the development of children, families and learning communities through dedicated research centres.

You’ll learn from world-class academics such as Professor Cathy Nutbrown and Professor Dan Goodley. Cathy, who teaches on three of our postgraduate courses, won an Outstanding Impact in Society award in 2013 for her work on literacy. Dan’s work on disability in education has been described as ground breaking.

Our research seminar programme gives you access to the latest findings, often before they’re published. The University’s library has online catalogues and databases, e-books and e-journals.

Structure, teaching and assessment

All MA courses follow a similar pattern with two core modules (1 and 4) and two subject-specific modules (2 and 3).

Teaching and learning takes place via lectures, seminars, tutorials, discussion, active inquiry and investigations. Regular meetings with a personal tutor support and encourage your learning and understanding.

A weekly tutorial and a Study of Education course accompanies the taught modules.

There are no formal written examinations and assessment is by coursework and a 15–20,000-word dissertation.

Core modules

Early Childhood Education: history and policy; Development Learning and Curriculum; Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood Education; Research Methods in Early Childhood Education; Dissertation (Early Childhood Education).

Teaching

You’ll study mostly at home, staying in contact with your tutor by telephone, post and email. You must attend five residential weekends in Sheffield during the two years of the course.

Assessment

Each module is assessed through a 6,000- word assignment. A final 15–20,000-word dissertation represents one-third of the MA (60 credits out of 180). On completion, you’ll have the opportunity to apply for doctoral study on our Early Childhood Education EdD.

Read less

The PGCE Early Childhood Education with recommendation for Early Years Teacher Status is funded by the National College for Teaching and Leadership (NCTL) for the Initial Teacher Training for specialist early years teachers (birth to five years).

Visit the website: https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/courses/postgraduate/early-childhood-education-with-early-years-teacher-status.aspx

Course detail

There are two routes for this course. The Graduate Entry (Mainstream) and the Graduate Entry (Employment Based).

The Graduate Entry (Mainstream) is a twelve month, full-time course suitable for high calibre graduates who have limited experience of working with children from birth to five, but who are looking to pursue a career working in early years.

On this pathway you will work for some periods of the week in a minimum of two placements, undertake a number of PGCE modules and attend Early Years Teacher Status professional study days.

The Graduate Entry (Employment Based) pathway is suitable for graduates working in an early years setting or who require training and further experience to demonstrate the Teachers’ Standards (Early Years), or for newly recruited graduates in an early years setting who need to undertake early years ITT through an employment based route.

Suitability

This postgraduate route into teaching is a credible career choice for students wishing to pursue specialisation and expertise as a teacher with children from birth to five years.

Content

All PGCE pathways cover three main areas: Curriculum Studies, Professional Studies and Enhanced Studies. The Early Childhood Education pathway is designed to complement professional practice and the academic study should be informed by and inform practice.

In Curriculum Studies modules and taught days, you will develop your understanding and knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, pedagogy and resources to support the teaching.

As you progress through your studies and can apply your learning to practical teaching situations, you will be introduced to a wider range of critical perspectives on teaching and learning in the early years. You will be expected to apply that critical reflection to your own teaching.

In Professional Studies modules and taught days, you will learn about broader aspects of education and the early years, its role in society and communities and how education policy and practice has an impact on schools. Key principles and values in early years education will be explored as you develop your own theories of education and reflect critically on others.

In the Enhanced Studies module and taught days, you will have the opportunity to choose a particular aspect of early years education and to study that in greater depth. Your learning in this context will enable you to reflect more strongly and critically on your own emerging identity as an early years teacher.

On completion of the course you will be awarded your Early Years Teacher Status from the National College of Teaching and Leadership. The Early Years Teacher Status is subject to the relevant standards and requirements set out by the Department for Education which are subject to change.

Format

You can expect to receive 50 hours academic direction for each module in a university taught session. The range of learning and teaching strategies is a central component of the design and planning of the PGCE Early Childhood Education pathway on the ITE course.

There is an expectation of 150 hours practice learning and independent study to support your individual and collaborative learning. We will use of a range of ways of engaging you in critical debate and discussion during taught sessions, including talk partners, small group discussion and micro-teaching, while enhancing the experience with practical, creative and active learning.

The Graduate Entry (Mainstream) students on this course are required to be in placement for 120 days. These placements are linked to two credit bearing modules and will contain the assessment process for the recommendation of the award of Early Years Teacher Status. The placements will be in settings for children from birth to five years and will be sourced by the Partnership Team in line with the University placement procedures and processes.

Students studying on the employment pathway (Graduate Entry Employment Based) will be able to use their current employment as their base location in addition to contrasting placements to meet the requirements of the course. On commencing the course they will complete a needs analysis with tutors so that gaps in their knowledge, skills and experience can be highlighted; in this way additional placements will be arranged to ensure these students can cover the breadth of the 0-5 years subject area.

Assessment

Early Childhood Education PGCE pathway students who opt for the PGCE modules (either as a whole or for separate Masters level modules) will be assessed in two main ways – via academic assignments and via assessment of your teaching.

You will submit academic assignments for 20 credits in curriculum, professional and enhanced studies. Each submission will include a written element, but you may also be assessed via presentation or practical performance as relevant to your subject or chosen options. You can achieve up to 60 Masters (Level 7) credits (except in the PGCE Modular pathway which offers up to 40 Masters (Level 7) credits.)

What can I do next?

On successful completion students will be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Education with Early Years Teacher Status. Students may have already achieved 60 Masters level credits and may wish to continue studies by applying for the MA Early Childhood Education.

How to apply

For information on how to apply, please follow this link: https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/how-to-apply/how-to-apply.aspx

Funding

-Masters Loans-

From 2016/17 government loans of up to £10,000 are available for postgraduate Masters study. The loans will be paid directly to students by the Student Loans Company and will be subject to both personal and course eligibility criteria.

For more information available here: https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/funding-your-degree/funding-your-postgraduate-degree.aspx

-2017/18 Entry Financial Support-

Information on alternative funding sources is available here: https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/study-here/funding-your-degree/2017-18-entry-financial-support.aspx

Read less

This award is gained through taking an early childhood education focus for 50% of the study, including the Dissertation.

The programme is flexible to enable students to demonstrate an early childhood education focus in any of the 30 credit modules of interest which are studied, although study might include the Child Development: Foundations for Life module. Students must have an early childhood education focus for the final dissertation. In order to gain this award, students need to submit the Early Childhood Education evidence log to demonstrate the 50% focus.

Why choose this course?

The programme supports you in developing your knowledge and understanding of issues and practice through enquiry and research. The programme provides a range of module choices, but you are encouraged to bring your own ideas and focus on your own particular professional interests.

Through this programme you will:

• Develop and deepen your knowledge and understanding of issues relating to education practice through critical reflection, analysis and enquiry
• Develop your ability to critically analyse educational theory and how it links to practice
• Become a member of a supportive learning community and learn from professionals from a range of educational settings
• Become a successful practitioner researcher

Structure

Year 1

Core Modules:

Early Childhood Education Dissertation
Exploring Approaches to Research

Optional:

Creativity: You and Your Practice
Developing Subject and Professional Knowledge
Early Childhood: Foundations for Life
Education, Social Justice and Social Change
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Inclusive Perspectives on Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities
Leadership and Management

Teaching methods

Taught sessions are built around discussion, discovery, shared learning and peer review with tutor support and expertise immediately at hand. All modules are constructed so that the focus of the work should be upon your individual interests and professional requirements.

• For each 30 credit module, attendance at between 7/8 twilight sessions per module
• A significant amount of private study and reading
• Independent research
• An assignment of 4,500 words or equivalent for 30 credit modules
• A final 60 credit module over a year with a 12,000 word assignment
• Full access to the University’s Learning Resource Centre (LRC) and virtual learning environment

Read less

Overview

The early years of a child's life are critical years that play a major role in determining the child's developmental trajectory throughout life. A significant body of research literature has documented the importance of early childhood education and the difference that quality early childhood education makes in these early formative years. The Faculty of Education at UBC is fortunate to have a number of faculty members whose research and professional interests focus on children from birth to age 8. The strength of this group is in its breadth across disciplinary areas, the variety and the high calibre of its research, and its commitment to professional development. As a collective, this group represents a significant strength within the Faculty of Education that attracts outstanding students, new faculty, and research funding.

The Master of Arts (MA) in Early Childhood Education is a research-oriented degree, requiring the completion of a Master's Thesis. As such, it is the preferred route for individuals planning to pursue a doctoral degree after the Masters.

The Masters of Education (MEd) is a course-based degree; while the MEd also includes research courses, its focus is primarily on knowledge of professional practice. Students may choose from either the course-only option or courses plus ECED 590 (3 credits), which is recognized as a capstone experience by the British Columbia Teacher Qualification Service (TQS).

Quick Facts

- Degree: Master of Arts (research-based), Master of Education (course-based)
- Specialization: Early Childhood Education
- Subject: Education
- Mode of delivery: On campus
- Program components: Coursework + Thesis required
- Faculty: Faculty of Education

Read less

Advance your knowledge of young children’s learning and develop your early years practice and professionalism. Explore areas of personal interest in early childhood education and care whilst also enhancing your research skills. There will also be opportunities to visit different early years settings.

See the website http://www.anglia.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/early-childhood-education

If you have a degree in early childhood studies, pre-school education or a related subject, our MA offers a great opportunity to explore aspects of young children’s lives in more depth, examining current policies and practices to build on your existing knowledge. If that’s you, why not take this opportunity to boost your skills and knowledge? You’ll be able to link your newly-learned theories and research with your practice from the start, boosting your contribution to your workplace and enhancing your career prospects. Taught by experienced tutors who are passionate about using insights from research to enhance the lives of young children and their families. The course focusses on early childhood education from birth until eight years old and you'll graduate with a valuable postgraduate qualification.

Teaching times: Tuesday evenings (5-8pm) plus day time study for full-time students; Tuesday evenings only for part-time students. For all part-time students and for full-time students starting in January, there are two Saturday day schools and a daytime summer school in the last week of July in trimester 3.

For the June intake you can only choose to study part-time.

See the website http://www.anglia.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/early-childhood-education

Careers

Are you working with children, or do you intend to work with children in the future? If so, our MA will enhance your career. It provides a highly relevant professional development opportunity for you whether you’re an early years or pre-school teacher, a manager in a childcare setting, a family support worker or an early years consultant. It’s also a great starting point if you’re looking for a career in academia and is a step towards a PhD or EdD.

- Work placements
There are no formal work placements for this course. If you’re already working in an early years environment then you can immediately put your new skills and experience into practice. Our course also gives you the opportunity to visit different early years settings thanks to our links with local nurseries. If you’re interested in gaining experience as a researcher you may be able to get involved with research projects run by our Department of Education and the Early Childhood Research Group.

Core modules

Investigating Education through Research
Major Project

Optional modules:
Early Childhood - Principles, Practice & Professionalism
Specialist Studies in Early Childhood Education and Care
Professional Enquiry for Early Childhood
National & International Policy Perspectives

You will take 3 optional modules from the above list. The availability of modules will depend on whether you are a full-time or part-time student and on when you start your course. More information and guidance will be available from your course leader. All modules are subject to change.

Assessment

You’ll be assessed in a variety of ways including presentations and written assignments as well as group work and peer reviews. For each 30 credit module you’ll complete an assessment of 6,000 words or equivalent. Your Major Project will usually be a written research report of around 15,000 words.

Read less

About the course

This one-year, full-time course covers a broad range of issues, encourages students to reflect on their experiences of early childhood education current policy and addresses theory and research relevant to their interests.

Your career

We offer postgraduate courses that will launch your career in education or aid your continuing professional development.

Our graduates work in the UK and overseas in schools, universities, and local and national government. Some are teachers and lecturers. Others use their skills in policy development, education, administration, psychology and social work.

About us

We value creative teaching that challenges inequalities in the education system. We believe in increasing opportunities for education, for everyone. Our research has a direct impact on educational theory, policy and practice. We’re supporting the development of children, families and learning communities through dedicated research centres.

You’ll learn from world-class academics such as Professor Cathy Nutbrown and Professor Dan Goodley. Cathy, who teaches on three of our postgraduate courses, won an Outstanding Impact in Society award in 2013 for her work on literacy. Dan’s work on disability in education has been described as ground breaking.

Our research seminar programme gives you access to the latest findings, often before they’re published. The University’s library has online catalogues and databases, e-books and e-journals.

Structure, teaching and assessment

All MA courses follow a similar pattern with two core modules (1 and 4) and two subject-specific modules (2 and 3).

Teaching and learning takes place via lectures, seminars, tutorials, discussion, active inquiry and investigations. Regular meetings with a personal tutor support and encourage your learning and understanding.

A weekly tutorial and a Study of Education course accompanies the taught modules.

There are no formal written examinations and assessment is by coursework and a 15–20,000-word dissertation.

Core modules

Critical Issues in Education and Educational Research; Early Childhood 1: Development, Learning and Curriculum; Early Childhood 2: Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood Education; The Practice of Research; Dissertation.

Read less

The M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education is an advanced program of study designed to prepare individuals for leadership positions in the field as teachers or administrators. The accomplished teachers track is designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of in-service, certified teachers. The program administrators track is focused on developing the leadership skills of child-care administrators and primary-level principals. Students in either track will take the same eight core courses and then two additional courses based on their track. All candidates will take the capstone course to complete the program. The M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education is an online program.

Curriculum

Core modules:

ECE 502 Advanced Child Dev: Prebirth Through Eight Years
ECE 504 Play as a Learning Medium
ECE 505 Families, Communities and Education in a Multicultural Society
ECE 511 Trends and Issues in ECE
ECE 512 Integrated Curriculum & Assessment: Birth to Age 8
ECE 513 Advocating for Young Children and Families
ECE 515 Coaching and Supervision in ECE
EDA 508 Introduction to Early Childhood/Special Education

For the additional modules taught on the Accomplished Teachers Track:

http://catalog.wcupa.edu/graduate/education-social-work/early-middle-grades-education/early-childhood-education-med-accomplished-teachers-track/

For the additional modules taught on the Program Administrators Track:

http://catalog.wcupa.edu/graduate/education-social-work/early-middle-grades-education/early-childhood-education-med-program-administrators-track/

NCATE Accreditation

All of our programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Our programs that lead to teacher certification have been approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).

Student Experiences

• In 2008-2009, over 10,000 documented hours of community service were provided to area agencies and organizations.
• According to survey data of 2007-2008 teacher-education graduates, over 90% have positions in education-related fields within one year of graduation.
• Our undergraduate candidates participate in community-service experiences that benefit children and their families.

Read less

Humber’s Early Childhood Education – Advanced Studies in Special Needs graduate certificate program offers a unique opportunity to pursue an exciting and challenging career working with children with special needs and their families. Through our practical, skill-based curriculum, you will develop many valuable skills, including how to:

• consult and collaborate interprofessionally with a team of early childhood educators, professionals and families to facilitate inclusion
• advocate and facilitate community outreach for children and their families
• observe, assess and implement using a variety of tools and techniques that support children’s development
• conduct independent research in a chosen area of interest
• plan and deliver professional development activities
• cultivate reflective practice skills for the purpose of self and professional development.

Course detail

Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

• Apply the principle of normalization and critically evaluate its implications to the field of special needs.
• Develop and implement individualized program plans, which include long and short term goal setting, methodology, data collection, and evaluation.
• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate activities to enhance large motor, fine motor, speech-language, social, emotional, cognitive, and self-help abilities from infancy to adulthood.
• Demonstrate the ability to transfer the knowledge gained from theory in order to plan, implement and evaluate individualized program plans for home visits, classroom placements, and other field related practicum.
• Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills in the daily interaction with families and allied professionals.
• Outline the responsibilities a teacher has when working with a family with a child with special needs.
• Demonstrate a professional and supportive role for parents of a child with special needs through assisting them to complete administrative tasks, communicate with professionals and by facilitating their involvement in special needs programs.
• Research the legislation and possible funding sources available to people with special needs and their families and make appropriate suggestions.
• Advocate and facilitate community outreach for children with special needs and their families.
• Develop his or her own personal philosophical approach for teaching children with special needs utilizing a theoretical and practical foundation in assessment, program planning, implementation and evaluation.
• Fulfil the role of the teacher in direct and indirect service delivery by assessing special needs, making referrals, analyzing assessment reports, planning individualized program plans and acting as a liaison between home, school and various agencies.
• Develop a self-directed learning contract and independently conduct research on a chosen area of focus.

Modules

Semester 1
• ECAS 5001: Effective Resource Teamwork
• ECAS 5002: Adapting Curriculum 1
• ECAS 5003: Field Practice 1
• ECAS 5004: Family Centred Practices
• ECAS 5005: Programming: Consultation and Collaboration
• ECAS 5006: Field Seminar 1
• ECAS 5016: Perspectives in Special Needs

Semester 2
• ECAS 5500: Advocacy and Community Resource
• ECAS 5501: Consultation and Case Management
• ECAS 5502: Independent Research Study
• ECAS 5503: Adapting Curriculum 2
• ECAS 5504: Resource Strategies for Special Needs
• ECAS 5506: Field Seminar 2
• ECAS 5509: Field Practice 2

Work Placement

You will be required to complete approximately 400 field placement hours within the two semesters. Placements are assigned by faculty. During that time, you may be assigned a placement in community based/government services and agencies such as a treatment centre, hospital, mental health agency, child-care centre or community association. You may have a full year placement, which allows you to become fully immersed in the agency or a different placement each semester, which ensures a variety of experiences. Each semester offers a block week for an intensive opportunity at your placement site.

International applicants are encouraged to also visit international.humber.ca to review additional requirements. Upon enrolment, international students are also required to obtain a co-op work permit in order to attend placement.

Your Career

Early learning experiences help shape children’s development and set the stage for them to be healthy, happy, productive adults. Some economists estimate that for every $1 spent on programs for children, there is a $2 social and economic benefit to Canada. Children with physical, intellectual, social and emotional challenges benefit significantly from early intervention and inclusive programming. Graduates enter employment ready to collaboratively support children with special needs and their families, applying the extensive knowledge and skills gained in the program.

Our graduates work with children with special needs and their families in both community based and government services and agencies, and have secured employment as:

• resource consultants
• early interventionists
• early childhood resource teachers
• teacher therapists
• community consultants
• resource support professionals
• educational assistants
• home support/respite workers
• early years’ specialists
• outreach workers
• intensive behaviour interventionists
• communicative assistants and infant development workers.

How to apply

Click here to apply: http://humber.ca/admissions/how-apply.html

Funding

For information on funding, please use the following link: http://humber.ca/admissions/financial-aid.html

Read less

Overview

Newman University has developed a suite of modules aimed specifically at Early Years Practitioners and Early Years Professionals who are working in or have access to early years settings.

Course content

Newman offers you the opportunity to enhance your professional knowledge, understanding and skills of early years practice by developing and implementing systematic professional enquiry and reflective practice around a range of concepts and theories relevant to early years provision.

Completion of the

Postgraduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care

will enable you to continue onto a full MA via undertaking a further 30 credit module of your choice (from the MA Education module choices) and the compulsory Research Methods module, followed by the final dissertation.

Attendance

You will study the course part-time over 12 months which will provide you with the flexibility to combine employment (if relevant) and placements (if relevant) with study. Taught sessions will be based at Newman. The PG cert comprises of 3 modules with one module being taught each semester on one evening per week with approximately 10 sessions per module.

Assessment

You will experience a range of assessments in the form of reflective accounts, presentations and essays related to practice in the field of early years.

Read less

This course is aimed at people who are currently working with young children aged 0-5 years in early years settings including children's centres, schools and private day care. You deepen your knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and early childhood development for young children.

During the course you cover developing the curriculum and pedagogy for the age phases 0-3 and 3-5 years. You also gain knowledge and understanding of transition issues, including children's progress through key stages 1 and 2.

Supported by experienced workplace mentors, you extend your knowledge and professional skills in key areas including:
-The observation and assessment of young children's development.
-Children's development and learning through play.
-Children's participation and inclusion.
-Collaborative working with parents and carers.
-The leadership of staff teams.

During your training you strengthen your expertise in teaching early literacy, including reading, and mathematics, including numeracy. The course also enhances your skills in supporting children's learning and development across all the prime and specific areas of the EYFS. You deepen your understanding of the characteristics of effective learning that are key to this stage of development.

You complete an assessed teaching practice in your home school or early years setting, and a second assessed placement with a younger or older age-group in a second school or early years setting. Placement experience is organised so that you cover the three age groups within the 0-5 age range.

Throughout your course you are supported to develop a range of relevant academic and professional skills at graduate and postgraduate level. This supports and enhances your career potential, opening up opportunities for higher level posts within early years services.

For more information, see the website: https://www.shu.ac.uk/study-here/find-a-course/pgce-early-childhood-education-and-care-05-with-eyts-graduate-employment-route

Further information

For more information regarding our routes into teaching, including funding, placements, QTS skills tests and career prospects visit our teach site.

Professional recognition

By meeting the standards for Early Years Teacher Status, you are recognised as an Early Years Teacher (0-5) with EYTS by the National College of Teaching and Leadership.

Course structure

One year part time. Starts September.

Course content
Key areas include:
-Child development for babies, toddlers and young children
-The Early Years Foundation Stage
-Play in early childhood
-Working with families
-Leadership
-Working across professional boundaries

Assessment: course work including reflective writing, presentations and e-portfolio; practice during placements.

Other admission requirements

You must hold the GCSE requirements before applying. If you are waiting to take up a post, you need evidence of at least 15 days of experience of working with children in an early years foundation stage setting gained within the last 12 months. You must also successfully complete QTS skills tests in numeracy and literacy as designated by the National College for Teaching and Leadership.

If you are shortlisted, we will invite you to a selection event, and you should bring a passport or photo driving license with you. You can bring other forms of photo ID for the selection event, but if you do, you will still need to present valid identity documents required by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) at your pre-course day. View our selection event guidance to ensure you understand the selection process: http://www.shu.ac.uk/selection-event/1279

As you will be working with children, you must complete a declaration of criminal convictions and health check forms.

If English is not your first language you need an IELTS average score of 7.0 with at least 6.5 in all skills or a TOEFL score of 235 (Internet based).

*GCSE mathematics and English equivalents
-12 Level 2 credits from an Access course.
-Equivalency test from http://www.equivalencytesting.co.uk

*GCSE science equivalents
-12 level 2 credits from an Access course.
-Science equivalency test from http://www.equivalencytesting.co.uk
-OCR National Level 2 Science.
-BTEC National Level 2 Science, Applied Science or Medical Science.

Employment-based requirements
For the period of training all applicants employed at a school, excluding academies, independent schools and early years settings, must be employed as an unqualified teacher and paid in accordance with at least point one on the unqualified teacher's pay scale for the period of their training. You will not perform more than 90% of the duties normally completed by a full-time early years teacher.

Read less

This course is designed for graduates with limited experience of working with children aged 0-5 years. Your studies are based around extended placements in at least two different early years settings to give you the confidence, skills and experience to work across the 0-5 age range.

Alongside this practical experience you attend taught sessions which provide you with theoretical knowledge of child development, pedagogy and the key areas of early years foundation stage (EYFS). You also gain knowledge and understanding of transition issues, including children's progress through Key Stages 1 and 2.

Supported by experienced workplace mentors during your placement, you develop your knowledge and professional skills in key areas including:
-The observation and assessment of young children's development.
-Children's development and learning through play.
-Children's participation and inclusion.
-Collaborative working with parents and carers.
-The leadership of staff teams.

During your training you also gain skills in teaching early literacy, including reading, and mathematics, including numeracy.

Throughout the course you are supported to develop a range of relevant academic and professional skills at graduate and postgraduate level. This enhances your career potential and opens up future opportunities for higher level posts within early years services.

Further information

For more information regarding our routes into teaching, including funding, placements, QTS skills tests and career prospects visit our teach site.

Professional recognition

By meeting the standards for Early Years Teacher Status, you are recognised as an Early Years Teacher (0-5) with EYTS by the National College of Teaching and Leadership.

Course structure

1 full time. Starts September.

Course content
Key areas include:
-Child development for babies, toddlers and young children.
-The Early Years Foundation Stage.
-Play in early childhood.
-Working with families.
-Leadership.
-Working across professional boundaries.
-During the course you complete two assessed teaching practice placements in different early years settings.

Assessment: coursework; assessed practice; professional development portfolio.

Other admission requirements

If you are shortlisted, we will invite you to a selection event, and you should bring a passport or photo driving license with you. You can bring other forms of photo ID for the selection event, but if you do, you will still need to present valid identity documents required by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) at your pre-course day. View our selection event guidance to ensure you understand the selection process: http://www.shu.ac.uk/selection-event/1342

If English is not your first language you need an IELTS average score of 7.0 with at least 6.5 in all skills or a TOEFL score of 235 (Internet based).

*GCSE mathematics and English equivalents
-12 Level 2 credits from an Access course.
-Equivalency test from http://www.equivalencytesting.co.uk

*GCSE science equivalents
-12 level 2 credits from an Access course.
-Science equivalency test from http://www.equivalencytesting.co.uk
-OCR National Level 2 Science.
-BTEC National Level 2 Science, Applied Science or Medical Science.

Read less

This course has been developed in partnership with students and employers to offer a qualification that will support working towards Early Years Teacher status. The programme is fully funded by the NCTL, for those who qualify, and bursaries are also available.

It’s particularly aimed at graduates who don’t already work in early years but who may be looking for a career move. It’s also a great option for overseas graduates who are looking to enter the teaching profession within England.

This course is offered on both a full- and part-time basis. The full-time course is a School Direct programme delivered in partnership with the Durham and Newcastle Teaching Alliance. The course is school or early years setting-led, which means you’ll spend most of your time within a designated school or early years setting. It underpins all of the training requirements outlined by the National College for Teaching and Leadership (NCTL) and has been flexibly designed to suit your needs.

This is a School Direct Route which includes substantial placement experience, for graduates with little or no experience of working with children aged 0 to 5 years but wish to pursue a career as an Early Years Teacher. Tuition fees are funded by the National College for Teaching and Leadership (NCTL) and bursaries are payable to trainees with a first class (£5000), 2:1 (£4000) or 2:2 (£2000) classification of degree. Post Graduate Certificate in Early Years Education (Level 7) is also included at no extra cost.

Trainees on the School Direct Route will be taught the theoretical element of the programme by specialist practitioners from Northumbria University. Trainees will be placed in a range of good and outstanding schools and settings across the North East, led by the Durham Teaching School Alliance for the practical elements of the programme.

This course cna also be studied part time - for more information, please view this web-page: https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/study-at-northumbria/courses/early-years-education-early-years-teacher-status-dtpets6/

Learn From The Best

The academic staff delivering this course are research active with professional experience as educators specialising in the children’s workforce.

Having worked extensively with the under-3’s and pre-school aged children, with multi-agencies and in partnership with parents and carers, they have an excellent understanding of the challenges around researching in professional practice.

Teaching And Assessment

The course offers specialist training to enhance your skills in working with and teaching the under fives.

Your training will be delivered both at Northumbria and within your early years setting. You’ll spend one day per week at university and will complete at least 120 days on placement. If you already work within early years, this setting could be your current employment.

You’ll be supported by a dedicated mentor throughout, who will help you to develop your knowledge, understanding and related pedagogy of the early years.

Our teaching methods have been designed to support your individual learning style and critical reflective abilities and include lectures, seminars, group work, work based projects and assignments. They also involve unobserved and observed teaching practice, development of an individual training plan and a portfolio of documentary evidence.

Throughout the course, you’ll be encouraged to take part in collaborative teamwork through group work tasks, presentations and work-based projects.

Learning Environment

You’ll spend most of your time within your early years setting, supported by your mentor. For the remainder of your time, you’ll take part in lectures, seminars and other teaching and learning activities on campus.

Technology-enabled learning is a fundamental part of this course and you’ll be encouraged to use technology to be active, collaborative, reflective and research-orientated throughout your studies. Technology will help you to work with others, take part in relevant group discussions and reflect on your learning.

You’ll also be able to access a host of online learning materials and resources.

Research-Rich Learning

Research-rich learning is central to the design of this course. The academic staff teaching on this programme are actively involved in ongoing research projects, covering topics as diverse as attachment, infant mental health, emotional wellbeing, parental involvement and project evaluation.

These diverse and exciting research specialisms are used throughout teaching to both inform and enhance your learning.

As a postgraduate student, you will be encouraged to critically reflect upon and engage with the evolving nature of research, policy and practice. This will enable you to fully establish its impact on the teaching and delivery of early years care and education, giving you excellent insights into the contemporary issues at the forefront of this specialist field.

Give Your Career An Edge

This Post Graduate Certificate award has been specifically designed to support students wishing to gain Early Years Teacher Status and employment as an early years teacher. You’ll train to become a highly reflective early years practitioner with an excellent understanding of the impact that your practice has on children’s learning and development.

We work closely with local early years providers to make sure the course content remains really relevant and meets employers’ needs.

The work-based projects you undertake, as well as your observed teaching practice, will make you highly employable on graduation and you’ll be able to showcase quality examples of the impact of your practice, to future employers.

This Post Graduate Certificate can also be used as a progression award to further studies at Masters level.

Your Future

The framework of this course is geared towards enhancing your future employability within the Early Years sector and has been developed in collaboration with students and employers to provide a qualification that will survive any changes in government policy.

As such, you’ll leave as a flexible, highly employable graduate, equipped with the knowledge and skills you need for the next step in your career and you’ll be able to demonstrate your extensive work-based experience and practice.

As well as being a great early years practitioner, you’ll also have a really solid knowledge and critical awareness of the latest legislation, new insights, current problems and contemporary issues at the forefront of early years care and education.

The Durham Teaching School Alliance

Etherley Lane Nursery School is one of the ‘Lead’ schools in the Durham Teaching School Alliance. The teaching school alliance is a partnership of good and outstanding primary phase schools which includes nursery schools, infant schools, primary schools with Foundation Stage Units and providers from the private and voluntary sector. Working collaboratively with key strategic partners the alliance provides a range of services to schools and settings including the delivery of the new Early Years School Direct initial teacher training programme.

Etherley Lane Nursery School, together with its partner schools and settings works closely with Northumbria University, the accredited Initial Teacher Training Provider, to offer an innovative and specialized programme in early childhood development from birth to five.

Skills Tests

Entrants for Initial Teacher Education programmes need to be aware of Government regulations regarding mandatory skills tests in numeracy and literacy.The skills tests do not replace the GCSE grade C or above entry requirements. Applicants are encouraged to sit the skills tests prior to interview although this is not essential, however, a firm offer of a place on the programme can only be made once all entry requirements have been met.

Applicants are advised that they will receive one free test and two resit opportunities which will need to be self-funded. If applicants fail three tests, resits will not be allowed within a 24 month period. The skills tests are computerized and can be taken at any of a number of Learn Direct test centres throughout the UK. The Department for Education has developed guidance and support materials to help candidates pass the tests: candidates are strongly advised to review the support material before attempting the skills tests. If any candidate is likely to experience difficulties taking a test and has needs that entitle them to reasonable adjustments, they can apply for special arrangements.

Further information about the skills tests, including practice tests are available from the Department for Education Professional Skills Test Webpage or by contacting Learn Direct on 0300 303 9613.

Tests can be booked via the skills test registration page: http://sta.education.gov.uk/

Additional Information

Early Years Teacher Status is a non Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) programme.

Graduate entry routes of Early Years Initial Teacher Training do not attract student loan.

Early Years Education (Early Years Teacher Status) Post Graduate Certificate does not attract student loan.

It is anticipated that for the academic year 2017-2018, trainees will attend University each Thursday.

Further information about becoming an Early Years Teacher can be found on the Department for Education ‘Get Into Teaching’ website: https://getintoteaching.education.gov.uk/explore-my-options/become-an-early-years-teacher

Read less

Do you want to develop your professional expertise and advance your career in education? The Master of Education addresses the professional learning needs of educators, educational administrators, managers, policy makers and others interested or involved in learning and education in the wider community. The course positions you to be a thought leader. Step beyond where you are now. Think deeply as you connect with research excellence and transform how you practice.

The course addresses learning in schools, workplaces and community. It connects research and practice to make you a stronger thinker, an engaged practitioner and an advanced specialist. You will broaden your knowledge of key learning constructs, deepen your professional learning in specialist areas and advance your capacity as a professional inquirer.

You will build your research knowledge and extend your expertise in one of the following specialisations:

- Adult learning
- Digital learning
- Early childhood education
- Educational leadership and policy
- Expert teaching practice
- General education studies
- Inclusive and special education.

In the Master of Education you can graduate with a generic, broadly applicable qualification, by choosing general leadership studies and selecting units to suit your requirements. Alternatively, you may prefer to choose one of the other specialisations and graduate with a qualification that highlights your particular leadership expertise. The flexible structure means you do not have to finalise your decision before being admitted to the course.

A flexible course delivery also allows you to continue working whilst completing the course. You can choose to engage via a fully online offering or to combine this with attendance at face-to-face workshops if you are able and interested.

Graduates pursue leadership roles in educational environments, business, and community settings.

Visit the website http://www.study.monash/courses/find-a-course/2016/education-d6002?domestic=true

Overview

Please select a specialisation for more details:

Adult learning

Your qualification will be a Master of Education in Adult Learning

Do you want to develop your knowledge and expertise in adult education? If so, this specialisation is for you. It focuses on ways to lead and develop communities of learners and their learning - in workplaces, communities and in local, global and virtual spaces. It offers ideas and approaches to enable participation and learning, through formal and non-formal means, and expand and extend practice and skill development in communities.

Through engagement with contemporary theories, approaches and concepts around lifelong learning and participation, you will identify local and global trends and practices around adult education. You will develop a repertoire of strategies to design engaging learning activities for adults.

You will explore how socially inclusive communities are developed and through practical case studies gain an appreciation of the transformative power of education in promoting community inclusion in global settings. You will learn how experiential learning and transformative approaches to teaching and learning can be used in community contexts to address core social issues such as poverty, racism and crime.

Graduates of this specialisation will be well positioned to manage, deliver and administer learning in workplaces, communities, tertiary and vocational sectors.

Digital learning

Your qualification will be a Master of Education in Digital Learning

Do you want to learn how to adapt digital technologies effectively in teaching and learning across school, tertiary, workplace and community settings? This specialisation engages with the key issues and debates relating to digital technology in education and the application of effective educational technology practices for learning.

It is suited to professionals across school, tertiary, workplace and community settings, who are grappling with how best to design, facilitate and assess the use of digital technologies in teaching and learning.

You will explore current and emerging trends in digital technologies being used in education and develop your understanding of the social, political, economic, cultural and historical issues surrounding their adoption. Your expert practice will develop through engagement with contemporary theories, models and practical strategies for understanding digital technology in education and society. Key issues such as identity, cyber safety, globalisation, equity and emerging forms of social practice will be examined.

You will be immersed in a collaborative and student-centred environment as you experience, practise and critique the design of digital technologies, materials, activities and assessments. There is a special focus on online teaching and learning but instructional issues relating to emerging technologies and practices, such as social media, digital games, mobile devices, virtual worlds and augmented reality will also be explored.

The specialisation is designed for all students regardless of their familiarity with computers.

Graduates will be well positioned to adapt digital technologies effectively in teaching and learning across school, tertiary, workplace and community settings.

Early childhood education

Your qualification will be a Master of Education in Early Childhood Education

If you want to develop your expertise and advance your career in early childhood education, then this specialisation is for you. It develops the expert practice of early childhood educators, leaders, policy makers and others interested in advancing their understanding of young children's learning, addressing the emerging need in global economies to build capacity of professionals in the early childhood sector.

It will equip you to respond to complex issues around children, their families and communities and initiate inclusive teaching and learning practices among young children.

You will develop your awareness of the features of leadership that engages critically and ethically in working with children, families and communities, and apply this to your professional practice.

You will gain an in-depth understanding of the nature of early literacy and numeracy development in the context of everyday life across families and cultures. Contemporary theories and approaches in cross-cultural mathematical and literacy development will form the foundation of a rich repertoire of strategies to promote children's early literacy and numeracy learning.

As a graduate you will be in a position to pursue senior roles in early childhood education, policy, leadership and management. The program will enhance your ability to lead educational work, innovative curriculum, teaching and policy, and professional learning in early childhood contexts.

Educational leadership and policy

Your qualification will be a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy

This specialisation focuses on leadership practices and policy development within educational contexts. It is suited to those who are interested in leading educational initiatives and institutions and extending their knowledge of how to lead, manage and administer capable educational organisations.

You will explore the concept and characteristics of a capable organisation, and evaluate factors that contribute to maintaining and sustaining capable organisations including human intellect, knowledge, values, emotion, learning and organisational culture and climate.

As a result you will acquire a suite of effective leadership strategies for capability building and develop your understanding of how organisations build organisational resilience when confronted with change.

Importantly, you will add to this the capacity to assess organisational capability and develop capacity in particular contexts. Using empirical research you will evaluate the decision making process that occurs within organisations and the aspects that influence it. You will design strategies to improve problem solving and decision making processes and outcomes and enhance organisational capabilities.

Expert teaching practice

Your qualification will be a Master of Education in Expert Teaching Practice

How and what we teach and the way students learn lies at the heart of education. As such, expert teachers and expert teaching are critical ingredients in both formal and informal education. Whether your setting is schools, tertiary education, workplaces or community organisations and groups, this specialisation is designed to extend your interest and deepen your knowledge and practice of teaching and learning in various learning areas and contexts of your choice.

You will address the complexity and the artistry of teaching – advancing your understanding of how learning can be both stimulated and supported – in various learning areas and contexts of your choice.

General education studies

Your qualification will be a Master of Education

Monash understands that professionals are themselves often in the best position to decide the particular knowledge they need to acquire. This specialisation offers the opportunity to select your two specialist units from across the other specialisations.

You can tailor your unit choices to suit your own interests or needs while maintaining a strong focus on leadership. A museum director, for example, may choose a blend of organisational learning and science curriculum and pedagogy in anticipation of leading the museum's science outreach. A current or aspiring principal, planning work in a rural community, may find a Community learning unit an excellent substitute to one suggested for principals.

Inclusive and special education

Your qualification will be a Master of Education in Inclusive and Special Education

Do you want to develop effective strategies to promote inclusion of learners with diverse needs in a range of learning contexts? If so, this specialisation is for you.

It focuses on building inclusive learning environments. You will study theories of, and approaches to, inclusion of diverse learners with particular cultural, social, cognitive and emotional needs across learning contexts. In doing so, you will discover ways in which education can be transformed to include all learners regardless of their age, sexuality, gender, class, ethnicity and disability.

For more information visit the faculty website - http://www.study.monash/media/links/faculty-websites/education

Find out how to apply here - http://www.study.monash/courses/find-a-course/2016/education-d6002?domestic=true#making-the-application

Read less