Early Childhood Education, M.A.

There is a pending curriculum change request.  This program is subject to change before July 1, 2026.

 

The College of Education and Human Development offers a graduate degree in Early Childhood Education that allows individuals who have a bachelor’s degree in any area to earn initial licensure with an endorsement for teaching birth to grade 2. This program is approved by the Illinois State Board of Education for recommendation of the Initial Early Childhood License by entitlement (Professional Educator Licensure in EC, Birth to Grade 2), as well as the Early Childhood Special Education Approval.

Degree and Certifications

Degree Earned

• Master of Arts (M.A.) in Early Childhood Education

Certifications Earned

• Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL)
• Early Childhood Endorsement, Birth to Grade 2
• Early Childhood Special Education Approval Endorsement, Birth to Grade 2
• Illinois Gateways Credentials
  • Early Childhood, Levels 1-6
  • Infant-Toddler, Levels 1-3

Program Expected Learning Outcomes

1. Child Development and Learning in Context - early childhood educators will demonstrate the understanding of child development from birth to age 8, recognizing individual variations and the impact of relationships and contexts on learning, and will apply this knowledge to make informed, evidence-based decisions in their practice.   
2. Family-Teacher Partnerships and Community Connections - early childhood educators will demonstrate the capacity to develop respectful and reciprocal partnerships with families, valuing diversity and leveraging community resources to enhance young children’s learning and development while fostering connections between early learning settings and local organizations.  
3. Child Observation, Documentation, and Assessment - early childhood educators will demonstrate the capacity to use observation and assessment tools ethically and appropriately to document each child’s development, inform instruction, and foster partnerships with families and colleagues, ensuring positive outcomes tailored to diverse needs and contexts.  
4. Developmentally, Culturally, and Linguistic Teaching Practices - early childhood educators will demonstrate the capacity to establish supportive relationships and utilize a diverse range of developmentally, culturally, and linguistically appropriate teaching practices that are responsive to each child’s needs, ensuring inclusive and effective learning environments grounded in universal design principles.  
5. Knowledge, Application, and Integration of Academic Content in EC - early childhood educators will demonstrate knowledge of academic disciplines and effective pedagogical methods, applying this understanding to design and evaluate engaging, age- appropriate curriculum experiences that foster meaningful learning and development for each child.  
6. Professionalism as an Early Childhood Educator - early childhood educators will demonstrate the capacity to engage as informed advocates, using ethical guidelines and effective communication skills. They will demonstrate reflective practice and collaboration, fostering professional relationships with children, families, and colleagues while committing to continuous learning within the early childhood profession. 

Admission Requirements

To be admitted into the Early Childhood Education post-BAC program, candidates must meet the university admission criteria for entry into graduate school, as well as meet these admission criteria:

• have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
• have earned a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher in all undergraduate work attempted and a grade of at least a “B-” in current graduate coursework
  • Candidates with a GPA of 2.4 to 2.74 may be considered and admitted with conditions, which means the candidate must earn a “B-” or above in all coursework during the first 2 semesters in the program in order to continue in the program.
• have completed  and have earned a grade of at least a “B-” in all prerequisite coursework (EDUC 2310, EDUC 2330, ENGL 2131, EDCP 2101, SPED 2100) or evidence of currently taking the courses

Application

To apply to the ECE MA program, candidates must meet the university admission requirements. Additionally, applicants must provide:

• an application to the Early Childhood Education Program
• official transcript(s) showing a bachelor’s degree and a cumulative G.P.A. of 2.75 or higher in all undergraduate work attempted and a grade of at least a “B-” in current graduate coursework
• current, up-to-date, resume
• valid teaching license (PEL)

Program Requirements

All candidates in this program must complete 40 hours of program coursework at the graduate level (this does not include the 15 hours of prerequisite coursework - 5 courses) to meet the 40 credit hours for graduation. All candidates must complete over 120 hours of clinical experience in the field, in addition to student teaching. Candidates must also earn a passing score on the ILTS EC Content Exam.

Degree Requirements

Candidates must meet all university requirements for a master’s degree. Additionally, candidates must also:

• attain a GPA of 3.0 or better in all Professional Education coursework, earning a grade of at least a “B-” in all courses;
• complete all course work at Governors State University within five calendar years;
• successfully complete all key assessments;
• successfully complete all field experience hours and assessments;
• receive a positive rating on Summative Student Teaching Evaluation with a grade of at least a “B-“;
• earn a passing score on the edTPA or C-Past assessment;
• complete and submit the GovState approved Criminal Background Check and trainings (FERPA, Mandated Reporting, Behavior Intervention/Conflict Resolution, and Emergency Response) prior to the initial field experience in the schools. Some assigned field site locations may, due to state licensing, require students to submit a brief physical exam, including a TB test, as well as a fingerprint background check;
• earn satisfactory scores on assessments of professional dispositions; demonstrate professional dispositions in all interactions with faculty/staff and students, as well as teachers and children in schools during field experiences;
• be in good standing with the university and program;
• maintain satisfactory candidate progress as defined in the Early Childhood Education Program Handbook;
• remain in positive progression via the Early Childhood Education Student Progress Committee
• display, or be judged as developing, the dispositions expected of graduate students as listed in the section, Licensure of Teachers and Other School Professionals

Student Progress

The program faculty members monitor and evaluate student progress continually. The section, Licensure of Teachers and Other School Professionals, in this catalog provides a general description of the standards used to evaluate student progress.

To continue in the program, candidates must earn a grade of at least a “B-” in all coursework. Candidates can be dismissed from the program for not earning a grade of at least a “B-” in all program coursework, as well as for dispositional and professionalism issues.

The faculty may permit a candidate to progress conditionally. In such cases, faculty review of the applicant’s record and performance identifies evidence that the student is likely to be successful in the program. The status of all students permitted to progress conditionally is reviewed by the appropriate professional (i.e. advisor, program coordinator, chair, other faculty, etc.) each semester, and students are informed accordingly of the conditions necessary for them to be transferred to good standing status. When conditions are met, the candidates are transferred to good standing status. Students may not be admitted to the culminating project without achieving good standing status. Conditional continuation is an option for program decisions. Candidates neglecting to meet state requirements for teacher licensure are not eligible to progress conditionally.

Admission to Student Teaching

All coursework must be completed before the candidate’s student teaching semester begins. Candidates must also pass the Illinois Licensure Testing System (ILTS) Early Childhood Content Exam prior to student teaching. Before enrolling in student teaching or practicum, candidates must:

• submit the application for student teaching by the deadline;
• attain a GPA of 3.0 or better in all Professional Education coursework, earning a grade of at least a “B-” in all courses;
• complete and document a minimum of 120 clock-hours of clinical field experiences prior to student teaching;
• be in good standing with the university;
• receive a positive recommendation from Early Childhood Education faculty;
• earn a passing score on the Early Childhood Content Area Exam of the Illinois Certification Testing System (ILTS)

Candidacy

To qualify for candidacy, a student must:

• hold a Bachelor’s degree with a G.P.A. of 2.75 or higher
• complete all prerequisite coursework equivalent to EDUC-2310 , EDUC-2330 , ENGL-2131 , EDCP-2101 , SPED-2100 , earning a grade of “B” or better
• have Criminal Background Check clearance (from GovState approved site)
• complete all trainings within 6 months of application (FERPA, mandatory reporting, and emergency response)
• display, or be judged as developing, the dispositions expected of graduate students as listed in the section, Licensure of Teachers and Other School Professionals
• be recommended for candidacy by the Early Childhood Education program faculty

Teacher Licensure Requirements - ISBE

In order to obtain a teaching license and any endorsements, candidates must complete the degree and program requirements listed. Candidates must also meet the requirements listed in the Licensure of Teachers and Other School Professionals section of this catalog. Candidates are responsible for submitting all documentation to the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). To be recommended for licensure by Governors State University, candidates must:

• apply for licensure within 6 months of completing the program;
• complete and provide documentation for at least 120 hours of clinical field experiences (not including student teaching);
• complete and provide documentation for all Professional Education and Teaching Specialization (ESL) coursework with a grade of at least a “B-” in all program coursework, including EDEC 8999 Student Teaching;
• earn a passing score on Pass the edTPA portfolio or C-Past evaluation;
• earn a passing score on the ILTS Early Childhood Content Area Exam prior to student teaching