Early Childhood Education (MEd)
Credential: Master of Education
Certification: Students enrolled in the Certification Track are eligible for PA Instructional I (PK-4)
Location: Online
Program Director: Angela Becker, EdD
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. This program offers a pathway to Pennsylvania teacher certification for individuals enrolled in the certification track. All coursework is offered in an online format which incorporates field placement opportunities within the student’s community. One semester (Student Teaching, 16 weeks) must be completed in person within the state of Pennsylvania, in accordance with Pennsylvania Department of Education requirements.
Program Learning Outcomes: As a result of this program, students 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
Curricular Structure and Degree Requirements
The MEd in Early Childhood Education program has two tracks: Track #1 - MEd with no certification and Track #2 - MEd with certification.
| Track #1 MEd with NO certification Curricular Structure |
Credits |
| Biblical and Theological Foundations Course |
3 |
| Professional Core Courses |
15 |
| Program Courses |
21 |
| Program Total |
39 |
| Track #2 MEd with Certification Curricular Structure |
Credits |
| Biblical and Theological Foundations Course |
3 |
| Professional Core Courses |
15 |
| Program Courses |
36 |
| Program Total |
54 |
Biblical & Theological Foundation Course (3 credits)
This chart outlines how prior college-level credits in Bible and theology, as represented on a transcript, apply to the Biblical and Theological Foundations course requirement.
| 15 or less credits of Bible and theology |
BTC 503 Foundations for Integration |
| 16-29 credits of Bible and theology |
BTC 504 Perspectives on Integration |
| 30 or more credits of Bible and theology |
Requirement satisfied
|
Professional Core Courses (15 credits)
| 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 599 | Project in Action Research | 3 |
Track #1 No Certification Program Courses (21 credits)
| 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 |
| SEC 537 | Technology for Teachers | 3 |
Track #2 With Certification Program Courses (36 credits)
| 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 |
| SEC 537 | Technology for Teachers | 3 |
| ESL 520 | Instruction and Assessment for the English Learner | 3 |
| SPE 510 | Practices for the Inclusionary Classroom | 3 |
| EDU 590 | Pre-Student Teaching Field Experience | 3 |
| EDU 591 | Student Teaching | 6 |
Admission, Retention, and Graduation
Admission Requirements
Admission into a master's degree program is consistent with the general admissions policy and practice of LBC | Capital. Admission criteria is located in the Admissions Information section of the catalog. 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-degree students. Permission for enrollment in courses is based on completion of the Non-degree 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. Credit for courses taken while a non-degree student is not automatically applied to the degree program. The Program Coordinator will evaluate course work and count or not count credit on an individual basis.
Transfer Credits
Transfer credit is awarded in accordance with the general transfer policy in the Academic Policies and Procedures section of the catalog. Transfer credits are reviewed and approved by the Program Director. This program has the following program specific transfer credit information.
| Graduate Program |
Program Credits |
# of Transfer Credits |
Min. Grade of Transfer Credits |
| Early Childhood |
42 cr. and 54 cr. |
9 graduate credits |
B |
Academic Advising
Students will be assigned a student success coach to monitor student progress and to provide encouragement through their studies. Student success coaches are available for in-person and email meetings. Students will receive and have access to the Handbook for policies and procedures. Additionally, the handbook contains advisement sheets. The Program Director will monitor student progress each semester and alert the student and the student success coach regarding any deficiencies to be addressed and criteria not being met.
Retention
Academic progress in this program is monitored after each term. The Academic Probation policy and Academic Dismissal policy found in this catalog are applied to all LBC | Capital students. Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Graduation Requirements
The following requirements must be successfully completed in order to receive a graduate degree or certificate:
• Satisfactory completion of all course work
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Fulfillment of all financial obligations
• Adherence to biblical standards and ethics in living one’s lifestyle
The program must be completed in a maximum of five years. If a student wishes to temporarily withdraw from a program, the student must notify the Program Director in writing. If a student needs an extension to continue the program after the five years, a written request must be submitted to the advisor and Program Director.
Faculty
Program Director: Angela Becker, EdD
Faculty:
Robin Bronkema, PhD
Bob Dodson, EdD
Christine Kirkpatrick, EdD
Stacey Martin, EdD