Early Childhood Education (MEd)
Credential
Master of Education
Program Overview
The Master of Education in Early Childhood Education program seeks to train students from a philosophical basis which reflects a biblical worldview to serve the community in various early childhood settings.
In order to earn the MEd, students must complete the professional courses for a total of 36 credits in the program. Additionally, students must show competencies in Bible and Theology by completing four 1-credit Biblical and Theological Foundation courses or through a transcript evaluation. All coursework is offered in an online format.
Highlights of the program include the following:
• Concise presentation of all skills and knowledge necessary to become an effective PreK-4 teacher
• Online format offers convenience and flexibility
• Blending of theory and practice
• Examination of teaching practices through the lens of a biblical worldview
This program does NOT lead to state certification. Students wishing to earn a PA Instructional I certification along with the MEd in Early Childhood must enroll in the MEd in Early Childhood Education (Certification Track).
Program Mission Statement
The MEd in Early Childhood Education program trains students from a philosophical base which reflects a biblical worldview to serve the community in various early childhood settings.
Program Outcomes
As a result of this program, the student will:
1. Integrate knowledge of content, pedagogy, resources and learners to design coherent learning experiences that are aligned with outcomes and that reach all learners
2. Design safe, equitable, learning-focused environments developed through appropriate rapport between student and teacher, responsiveness to the needs and cultures of all learners, and effective classroom management techniques in an organized physical environment
3. Demonstrate effective instructional practices as characterized by a) clear verbal, nonverbal, and media communication b) reflective and responsive teaching using multiple instructional strategies, c) implementation of a variety of assessment measures, and d) engagement of students in higher level thinking and learning
4. Demonstrate professionalism by a) adhering to ethical, institutional and legal guidelines, b) maintaining accurate records, c) seeking opportunities to grow professionally, d) reflecting on his/her own practice, and e) collaborating with colleagues, parents, and the community to ensure learner growth and advance the profession
5. Demonstrate a biblical worldview in his/her personal and professional life
Location: Online
Degree Requirements
The MEd in Early Childhood Education program is composed of three areas: Biblical and Theological Studies Courses, Professional Core, and Program Courses, for a total of 40 credits (no certification) or 55 credits (certification track).
The four 1-credit Biblical and Theological Studies courses can be waived by demonstrating competency through a transcript evaluation.
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No Certification Track
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Bible & Theology Foundation
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3 credits
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Professional Core
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15 credits
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Program Courses
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21 credits
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Program Total
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39 credits
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Certification Track
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Bible & Theology Foundation
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3 credits
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Professional Core
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15 credits
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Program Courses
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36 credits
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Program Total
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54 credits
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Bible & Theology Foundation
Four Biblical Foundation courses are required unless the student has entered the program with advanced standing. Advanced Standing is granted to those students who have completed 30 hours or more of undergraduate Bible and theology courses. Students with fewer than 30 hours may receive partial Advanced Standing credit proportionate to undergraduate or graduate Bible and theology studies completed. Students’ official transcripts will be evaluated during the admissions process.
Program Courses
| EDU 520 | Foundations of Early Childhood Education | 3 |
| EDU 523 | Theoretical Foundations of Development and Learning | 3 |
| EDU 524 | Literacy Instruction in the PreK-4 Classroom | 3 |
| EDU 526 | Diagnostic Reading Assessment | 3 |
| EDU 530 | Mathematics Instruction in the PreK-4 Classroom | 3 |
| EDU 533 | Pedagogy for the Content Areas | 3 |
| EDU 590 | Pre-Student Teaching Field Experience | 3 |
| EDU 591 | Student Teaching | 6 |
| SEC 537 | Technology for Teachers | 3 |
| ESL 520 | Instruction and Assessment for the English Learner | 3 |
| SPE 510 | Practices for the Inclusionary Classroom | 3 |
Professional Core
| EDU 519 | Foundations & Framework for Learning | 3 |
| EDU 550 | Socio-Cultural Perspectives on Education | 3 |
| EDU 560 | Teacher's Life and Work | 3 |
| EDU 598 | Seminar in Action Research | 3 |
| EDU 598 | Seminar in Action Research | 3 |
Application, Admission, and Retention
Admission Requirements
Admission to M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education:
1. Official transcript of a Bachelor’s degree in any field or its equivalent
2. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better as documented on an official transcript from the undergraduate accredited institution *
3. Completed MEd application form and submission of required application credentials
*Graduate students with a GPA lower than 3.0 may be admitted to the program under provisional status with Program Coordinator approval. In provisional admittance status, the student must maintain a 3.0 in the first 12 credits of the program in order to be fully admitted into the program.
Students wishing to take courses solely for personal enrichment or Act 48 credits are classified as non-matriculating students. Permission for enrollment in courses is based on completion of the Non-matriculating Application and the adequacy of class space. If at a later time the student wishes to be admitted into the program, that student will need to go through the formal application process. Granting credit for courses taken while a non-matriculating student is not automatic. The Program Coordinator will evaluate course work and grant or not grant credit on an individual basis.
Retention
• Minimum Cumulative GPA = 3.0
The criteria for retention are reviewed at the conclusion of each enrollment period. Should the GPA fall below 3.0 during the first three courses, the student is considered on probation for certification. The student must meet with the advisor to determine a plan to raise the GPA to the minimum level.
If at the completion of the 4th course, the student has not raised the GPA, then the student will receive notice of academic dismissal. The student has the right to appeal in writing to the Registrar. The appeal will be considered by the appeals committee. If the appeal is denied, the student may appeal to the Provost.
Program Director
Dr. Stacey Martin, EdD
Dr. Martin has 17 years of experience as a teacher and administrator in various early childhood settings. She has been a professor at LBC for the past 10 years and currently serves as Chair of the Education Department. She is passionate about early childhood, under-resourced populations, and teaching in general.
Faculty
Dr. Bob Dodson, EdD
Dr. Stacey Martin, EdD
Adjunct Faculty
Mrs. Tina Barnhart, MEd
Dr. Angela Becker, EdD
Mrs. Christine Kirkpatrick, EdS
Dr. Lyntel Murphy, EdD
Mr. Jason Zimmerman, MEd