Early Childhood Education (P–3) & Teacher of Students with Disabilities
This program is designed for applicants who have completed a bachelor’s degree and want to qualify for their first instructional certificate. It prepares teacher candidates to work in general, inclusive, and special education settings with young children in preschool, pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and Grades 1–3. It leads to a Master of Arts in Teaching degree and eligibility for New Jersey instructional certification in Early Childhood Education (P–3) and a Teacher of Students with Disabilities (TOSD) endorsement.
- Completion of prerequisite course: Child and Adolescent Development (3);
- Completion of the 42-credit Early Childhood Education component;
- Passing score on the Praxis II exam in Elementary Education (Multiple Subjects);
- Passing scores on the three GCU exams: Physiology and Hygiene (P&H); Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB); Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect (CARE);
- Satisfactory ratings in clinical practice, including recommendation for certification; and
- Maintenance of a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 is required to remain in the program (note: students with grade point averages between 2.75 and 2.99 may qualify to be in the Limited CEAS Pilot Program and should speak to their Advisor about this possibility).
M.A.T. in Early Childhood Education (P–3)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ECE5201 | Essentials of Instr for ECE | 3.0 |
| ECE5244 | Screen and Assess Reading Diff in ECE | 3.0 |
| ECE6302 | Early Childhood Clinical Practice 4 | 9.0 |
| ECE6303 | Reflective Practice in EC & SpEd | 3.0 |
| EDC5110 | Ethics & Foundations of American Ed | 3.0 |
| EDC5205 | Lit Integ in EC & Elem Social St | 3.0 |
| EDC5209 | Math Instruct. in EC & ELEM Ed 2 | 3.0 |
| EDC5242 | Foundational Literacy Instruction | 3.0 |
| EDC5306 | Assess & Remediate Math Diffic 3 | 3.0 |
| SPE5030 | Foundations of Special Education 1 | 3.0 |
| SPE5031 | Literacy & Curriculum Planning | 3.0 |
| SPE5032 | Assessment in Special Education 1 | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 42.0 | |
- 1
Requires 25 hours of clinical experience.
- 2
Requires 75 hours of clinical practice.
- 3
Requires 100 hours of clinical practice.
- 4
Requires 14 weeks of full-time clinical practice.