This online (asynchronous and partially synchronous) Master of Arts in Early Childhood General and Special Education: Birth through Kindergarten (BK) prepares educators for work in a variety of early care and classroom settings serving infants through kindergarten-age children. Following completion of the curriculum, graduates can be eligible for an initial Michigan Standard Teaching Certificate with an endorsement in early childhood general and special education: BK (ZN) or for an additional ZN endorsement to a current MI teaching certificate. The curriculum integrates graduate courses focused on child development, diverse family and community relationships, early childhood education, special education, and content area knowledge and pedagogy. It prepares educators to teach and work with young learners and their families, to meet the socio-emotional needs of the whole child, and to implement developmentally appropriate practices and intensive interventions in response to both typical and atypical development. Preparation for work with young children, their families, and the direct and ancillary services dedicated to them is most effective when informed by the multi-dimensionality of early growth and development. This graduate program features an interdisciplinary structure that anchors professional learning and experience within early childhood education, family science, and special education disciplines and best practices. The graduates will be trained to serve as effective advocates and teachers who positively influence young learners, their families, and communities.

Admission criteria:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• An overall grade point average of at least 3.0 during undergraduate work.
• A 250-word statement of purpose indicating why they’ve chosen this program and what they hope to accomplish.
• Three letters of recommendation