Childhood and Early Childhood Education
Dual Childhood and Early Childhood Education Program Overview
*This program is taught in a hybrid format
Positively impact young students with the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) in Early Childhood (Birth-Grade 2) and Childhood Education (Grades 1-6) programs at Manhattanville University. Through a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum, you will graduate prepared to earn a dual teaching certification in early childhood and childhood education.
Our hybrid format meets standards set by the New York State Education Department. This program includes coursework in educational foundations, curriculum design and development, pedagogical methods, and strategies for working effectively with children from birth to grade 6. Candidates will engage in rich field experiences alongside their coursework, with the program culminating in a semester-long student teaching experience. You can also opt for the Master of Professional Studies (MPS) and earn additional teaching certification in special education.
Open to students with a bachelor’s degree in just about any field, the MAT in Early Childhood and Childhood Education is ideal if you want to seek a new, rewarding career or if you want to broaden your possibilities as an educator.
Gain up-to-date knowledge and practical strategies to foster a nurturing, dynamic learning environment for children from birth to grade 6. . The curriculum prepares you to teach in public pre- or elementary schools and equips you with a solid foundation for further education or to advance your career into senior roles or other education-related opportunities.
Courses in the master’s programs in teaching childhood and early childhood cover topics like child development, pedagogical theory, curriculum design, and instruction methods. You can focus on math, science, social studies, or the arts or take electives in specializations like literacy. Small class sizes mean you receive individualized attention from our faculty, who have extensive experience as educators and specialists.
Our program allows you to meet the requirement for dual certification in early childhood and childhood education, widening your professional opportunities once you’re in the job market. Dual certifications are also available with special education.
MAT in Early Childhood (Birth-Grade 2) and Childhood Education (Grades 1-6)
The 49-credit master’s in early childhood and childhood education program takes two to three years to complete. Advanced courses, mandatory state workshops, research projects, and student teaching experiences encompassed in the degree fulfill the requirements to sit for state mandated teacher certification exams in childhood and early childhood education, and the staff provides guidance on other steps outside of the program.
At the end of their studies, candidates can apply for and receive Initial Teaching Certification and teach in public schools. The graduate degree program also prepares them to pursue a PhD and further certifications in other education areas.
Program requirements include:
- Courses in entry-level childhood and early childhood education foundations
- Certification courses in areas like literacy, math, science, social studies, and special education
- Master’s comprehensive exam
- Full-time, supervised student teaching
Review requirements for the MAT Early Childhood (Birth-Grade 2) and Childhood Education (Grades 1-6).
The MAT in Early Childhood Education and Childhood Education program is geared to those who want to devote their careers to teaching in New York State public schools, other states, and other educational settings. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects demand for kindergarten and elementary school teachers to remain steady. The BLS also expects preschool teacher roles to grow by 3% through 2032. By earning dual certification, graduates can expand their job search for roles ranging from early childhood education centers to 6th grade.
However, there are other opportunities for graduates entering the workforce. Jobs with dual teaching certification include school directors, social workers, tutors, curriculum consultants, and roles in government agencies, non-profits, and childhood centers. Our curriculum emphasizes research and fieldwork, preparing students for doctoral programs, additional certifications, and senior-level roles.
Students also use Manhattanville’s innovative educational focuses and research centers to add specializations. These include:
- Literacy Education
- Physical Education
- Diversity and Inclusion
MPS in Special Education: Early Childhood and Childhood (Birth-Grade 6)
Complete dual teaching certification program requirements in special education and childhood and early childhood with the Master of Professional Studies (MPS) program at Manhattanville. Learn how to conduct assessments, implement modifications and accommodations, and tailor lesson plans for students with different abilities. The 51-credit program includes student teaching experience and prepares you for the NYSED certification exams.
Certificate in Special Education: Early Childhood (Birth-Grade 2) and Childhood (Grades 1-6)
Aimed at educators with a master’s degree and prior certification in early childhood, elementary, or childhood education, the 29-credit certificate program broadens expertise to include the specialized skills for teaching special education students. The program fulfills the requirements to sit for the New York State initial teaching certificate in early childhood and childhood special education exams.
How can I become a dual-certified teacher in New York?
Candidates pursuing initial or professional certification can meet the requirements for dual teaching certification in early childhood and childhood classrooms within the same graduate program.
Manhattanville University offers MAT and MPS degrees that prepare students for those exams and the Content Speciality Tests. As students progress through the curriculum, they take foundational courses, attend mandatory state workshops, complete student teaching experiences, and sit for the required tests.
What is the difference between early childhood education and childhood education?
Early childhood education focuses on tools to nurture crucial linguistic, cognitive, and social skills for young children from birth to grade 2. Childhood education centers on building the essential literacy and math abilities in children in grades 1 to 6, and helping those students engage meaningfully with different subjects. Both incorporate key concepts in child development but require different training and certifications. The master’s degree program certifies you to teach in preschool settings and public schools from birth to grade 2 and grades 1-6.
Do the MAT and MPS programs leading to dual teaching certifications include field experience or student teaching?
Yes. A core component of the MAT program is a set of rich field experiences prior to student teaching, which integrates coursework with hands on experiences with actual students and teachers, culminating in a full-time, supervised student teaching experience students complete in the final semester of their studies.
ECE Steam Institute
Discover our innovative STEAM Institute for Early Childhood Education, offering workshops and ongoing professional development tailored to educators in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Enhance your skills and knowledge for effective teaching in early childhood settings.
Since 1971, the School of Education at Manhattanville University has established itself as a groundbreaking pedagogical institution. We offer programs on literacy instruction, diverse student populations, and socially responsible educational leadership.
In addition to the master’s degree program in Early Childhood and Childhood Education, we offer Master of Art in Teaching, Master of Professional Studies, Master of Education degree programs, and advanced certificate programs.
Discover the graduate education program that fits your goals:
- Childhood Education (MAT, MPS, Certificate)
- Early Childhood Education (MAT, MPS, Certificate)
- Education Entrepreneurship (MEd)
- Educational Leadership (MPS, Certificate)
- Literacy Education (MPS, Certificate)
Explore all graduate education options at the School of Education.
While we have priority admission deadlines, you can apply any time during the year through our rolling admissions policy. Rolling admissions means that we review completed applications as they are submitted. If you want to begin your studies in a specific semester, we recommend applying about a month before the start date. It usually takes about a week to receive a response. The Fall priority deadline is August 1st.
To apply to the MAT in Early Childhood and Childhood Education, you must hold a bachelor’s degree in any field from an accredited university.
Are you seeking to fast-track your career? Learn more about Jump Start, an accelerated pathway to teacher certification. In less than two years, you can earn a master’s in education and Initial Teacher Certification.
Requirements for dual certification program admissions include:
- Online graduate application
- Transcripts and undergraduate GPA of a 3.0 or higher
- Updated resume
- Personal statement of two double-spaced pages
- $75 application fee
- Recommendation letters (optional for some programs)
For more information, visit graduate education program admissions. If you have any questions, contact graduate admissions. We are here to help you every step of the way.
Earn a Master’s in Dual Early Childhood and Childhood Education at Manhattanville University
Manhattanville University’s MAT degree program leading to early childhood and childhood education teaching certification prepares you for the challenges and rewards of being a teacher through small class sizes, specialized opportunities, and top teaching practicum locations in Westchester and beyond.
Start working toward your goals by requesting more information or applying today.
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