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Graduate Endorsement in Early Childhood Education
For Classroom Teachers and Child Care Professionals
EMU's graduate level Endorsement in Early Childhood Education is designed for those who hold elementary teacher certification and have or are seeking careers as classroom teachers (preschool through third grade), childcare program directors, or other positions related to the care and education of children ages birth through eight years. Upon completion of the program fulfilling the practicum experience and passing the state test, students will earn the early childhood endorsement for the elementary teaching certificate. The endorsement credits can be completed as part of the requirements for a master’s degree or may be completed separately. Enrollment in an master's program is recommended but not required in order to seek the endorsement. Only the endorsement sequence will be offered at the EMU–Livonia site. Students who wish to complete a master's degree may need to complete some courses at another EMU location.
Program Theme and Career Opportunities
EMU's advanced professional education programs promote inquiry, advocacy and leadership in education for a diverse and democratic society. The early childhood education endorsement addresses extended knowledge of developing and implementing age-appropriate, culturally appropriate and individually appropriate curriculum and teaching practices from birth through age eight. Career opportunities include preschool and primary grade teaching and childcare program direction.
Accreditation
The EMU College of Education is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and approved by the Michigan Department of Education for the preparation of educational personnel. The early childhood education program is in compliance with the standards set forth by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Number of Credits
Completion of the endorsement in early childhood education requires 20 graduate credit hours, experience with young children and passing the state early childhood test. All of the required classes can be applied toward a master's degree.
Proposed Program of Study
Completion of the Endorsement in Early Childhood Education requires 20 graduate credit hours, experience with young children and passing the state early childhood test. All of the
required classes can be applied toward a master's degree.
- ECE 600 Trends and Issues in Early Childhood Education (2)
- ECE 602 Implementing Appropriate ECE Programs (2)
- ECE 610 Family, School and Community Partnerships in ECE (2)
- ECE 613 Curriculum Frameworks in Early Childhood (2)
- ECE 641 Developmental Assessment of the Young Child (2)
- One of:
- ECE 601 Helping Young Children in Crisis (2)
- EDPS 617 Children in Poverty: Educational Implications (2)
- At least four of the following courses (Eight credit hours):
- ECE 601 Helping Young Children in Crisis (2)
- ECE 603 Professional Development in ECE (2)
- ECE 604 Directing a Child Care Program (2)
- ECE 615 Social Relationships and Competence in Early Childhood Settings (2)
- ECE 618 Play and Human Development (2)
- ECE 590/591 Special Topics in Early Childhood (1–2)
- EDPS 611 Piaget and Vygotsky: Constructivist Perspectives (2)
- EDPS 617 Children in Poverty: Educational Implications (2)
- RDNG 656 Language Development, Literacy and the Young Child (3)
- SPGN 510 The Exceptional Child in the Regular Classroom (3)
Experience Requirements
Michigan
certification endorsements are credit-based, not competency-based endorsements, therefore, work experience does not take the place of earned credit. However, supervised and/or evaluated experience with groups of typically developing children is required for the endorsement. A minimum of 100 hours of documented, approved experience in two of the following three age groups is required: infants and
toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarten–third grade (a minimum of 50 hours in two of the settings). The experience must be completed in state licensed preschool/child care/public school programs. The experience may not be in a special education classroom or primarily with children with special needs. It may be on-the-job, volunteer or a for-credit practicum such as student teaching.
For More Information
The Department of Teacher Education
Eastern Michigan University
John W. Porter Building – Suite 313
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
734.487.3260 | Fax: 734.487.2101
www.emich.edu/coe/
Read more information by downloading the fact sheet [PDF].