Master of Arts in Education with a specialization in Early Childhood Education at University of Phoenix

The Master of Arts in Education (MAED) with a specialization in Early Childhood Education prepares graduate candidates for their license in the early childhood education field. In order to be accepted into this program, candidates must have already earned a bachelor's degree and must possess the desire to acquire the pedagogical skills and knowledge that will help them to become competent, effective early childcare educators. The program meets the state and national requirements for early childhood education. Incorporated into the program are theories of early childhood growth and development, the significance of family and cultural diversity for learning, the use of developmentally appropriate practices, assessment techniques, and technology to promote learning.

A vital component of the Early Childhood Education Program is student teaching. Students take advantage of hands on experiences based on their field in two early childhood environments. An experienced teacher will aid the student teachers, along with receive assistance from a University of Phoenix faculty advisor in an early childhood setting that serves children birth through preschool as well as in an early childhood setting that serves children in kindergarten through grade three. The student teaching program provides an excellent opportunity to practice and improve the skills they have learnt in order to make sure that students are prepared for the responsibilities of being a certified early childhood educator.

Students need to finish a minimum of 100 hours of verified field experience during the program. The specific course content and observations will focus on early childhood setting, starting from birth, preschool, kindergarten to grade three. Proof of this will be kept in each individual student's own portfolio.

Required for the degree program is the research factor, Action Research Project. The project work is worked into the theoretical views of education and the realistic experience of the student teacher by making use of identifying and exploring significant problems in which are in direct relation to the specialty’s responsibilities and interests.

To allow for completion of the program, students must successfully finish no less than 100 hours of verified field experiences that discuss several developmental levels. Students in Colorado will be required to accomplish a total of 200 hours. Each observation will need to have the focus be in relation to the content of the course. All credentials relating to the student will be maintained to-date and filed. (41 credits)