M.S. in Early Childhood Studies

In this course, education professionals focus on leadership and professionalism in the early childhood field; analysis of current research; ethical considerations; and multiple theories of child development, teaching, and learning. Education professionals are introduced to the foundation of evidence-based research and decision making, which is interwoven throughout the program. Education professionals also build understanding of the philosophy, requirements, and community of Walden University, the Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership, and the M.S. in Early Childhood Studies program.

Education professionals in this course critically examine typical and atypical physical, cognitive/language, and social and emotional development. They examine the powerful and important influence of cultural and linguistic diversity on the development of children from the prenatal stage through age 8. They also examine new findings related to the factors that foster and impede healthy development and learning, and they explore how adults can support healthy development. Additionally, education professionals have the opportunity to observe children in a variety of settings to gain practical insight on the developing child in the real-world.

Researchers indicate that long-term benefits from early childhood programs result only when the programs are of high quality. In this course, education professionals explore the components essential to program effectiveness, including planning for, improving, and evaluating program quality. They learn research-based, effective practices for promoting learning and development across developmental domains and subject matter areas in children from birth through age 8. Education professionals transfer new knowledge and skills to an authentic context through practical assignments, such as reflective blog posts and real-world observations of professionals in the field.

Leaders in the early childhood field must have in-depth understanding of the critical issues and trends affecting young children, their families, and the field. Education professionals in this course explore changing demographics; political and economic influence on programmatic funding streams; current debates related to school success, effective assessment and the achievement gap; and brain research influence on early development, care, and education from a historical and current perspective. Sharing perspectives and making connections with the professional world, educational professionals post blogs to establish contacts with early childhood professionals; reach out to international contacts in the field to gain an understanding poverty issues in different regions, issues related to excellence at the forefront of professional discussions, and insight on further development opportunities; and share Web resources, such as websites and e-newsletters. 

Nearly all professionals benefit from the ability to understand, evaluate, and use research effectively. In this course, education professionals prepare to be knowledgeable consumers of research, understand the language of research, and apply research and inquiry skills to the early childhood field. They engage in a variety of conceptual and application-based assignments focused on building skills in analyzing trends, critically assessing emerging knowledge, and using a variety of tools to access and evaluate research. They also have the opportunity to practice and apply course concepts and theories through research on early childhood research topics of personal or professional interest.

Understanding and respecting the diversity and individuality of every child and family is central to effective practice and at the heart of the early childhood field. Education professionals in this course examine family cultures and their impact on children and programs, and they investigate issues related to access, equity, and social justice. Through assignments designed to provide practical application of content, they also work toward developing an in-depth understanding of the intricacies of diversity, scrutinizing their own biases to effectively work with and advocate for all children and families.

Professionals in the field of early childhood education must engage often with other colleagues, families, agencies, and government officials; therefore, communication and collaboration skills are essential to effective and productive work in the field. Education professionals in this course explore the use of tools and strategies to collaborate with others, such as building relationships, teaming, negotiating, problem solving, resolving conflicts, and building consensus. They engage in coursework that emphasizes effective practices for working with diverse families, collaboration with colleagues to improve programs and services for children and families, and communication skills needed to advocate and work effectively with agencies and government officials. Through this course, education professionals learn and practice techniques essential to effective one-on-one interactions and group work while deepening their understanding of how cultural responsiveness influences successful communication and collaboration.

The success of any manager is largely dependent on the leadership they provide their staff. This course explores the roles and responsibilities of directors and/or administrators in effectively managing individuals and leading teams for early childhood programs. Education professionals in this course will focus on staff recruitment, evaluation, and development and identify the skills and knowledge required to create positive environments and achieve individual, as well as organizational goals. This course will challenge the educator to consider the ethical, legal, and cultural implications of working with a diverse staff, with emphasis given to the importance of effective communication in maintaining productive relationships.

Administrators of early childhood programs must be able to effectively budget and allocate resources. Education professionals in this course explore the role of the administrator in budgeting and handling resource allocation for early childhood programs. They examine processes for effectively managing budgets and explore strategies designed to help them understand and communicate budgets to stakeholders. Education professionals also explore the various sources of funding and plan a budget for an early childhood education program.

Effective early childhood directors/administrators are responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating programs to ensure quality experiences for the children and families they serve. This course focuses on the wide range of roles in which effective administrators must excel, including developing and maintaining the program’s mission and vision, understanding regulatory and accreditation requirements, marketing, and providing all children proper nutrition and safety while in their care. Education professionals in this course will also examine the importance of engaging in meaningful communication with parents, families, and communities.

The master’s capstone experience provides education professionals with an opportunity to integrate and apply learning to real-world situations, issues, or problems. Education professionals choose a field project, issue, or problem related to their specialization that is of sufficient scope to enable them to apply theories, concepts, and practices from across their prior coursework. (Prerequisites: All other courses.)

In this course, education professionals focus on leadership and professionalism in the early childhood field; analysis of current research; ethical considerations; and multiple theories of child development, teaching, and learning. Education professionals are introduced to the foundation of evidence-based research and decision making, which is interwoven throughout the program. Education professionals also build understanding of the philosophy, requirements, and community of Walden University, the Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership, and the M.S. in Early Childhood Studies program.

Education professionals in this course critically examine typical and atypical physical, cognitive/language, and social and emotional development. They examine the powerful and important influence of cultural and linguistic diversity on the development of children from the prenatal stage through age 8. They also examine new findings related to the factors that foster and impede healthy development and learning, and they explore how adults can support healthy development. Additionally, education professionals have the opportunity to observe children in a variety of settings to gain practical insight on the developing child in the real-world.

Researchers indicate that long-term benefits from early childhood programs result only when the programs are of high quality. In this course, education professionals explore the components essential to program effectiveness, including planning for, improving, and evaluating program quality. They learn research-based, effective practices for promoting learning and development across developmental domains and subject matter areas in children from birth through age 8. Education professionals transfer new knowledge and skills to an authentic context through practical assignments, such as reflective blog posts and real-world observations of professionals in the field.

Leaders in the early childhood field must have in-depth understanding of the critical issues and trends affecting young children, their families, and the field. Education professionals in this course explore changing demographics; political and economic influence on programmatic funding streams; current debates related to school success, effective assessment and the achievement gap; and brain research influence on early development, care, and education from a historical and current perspective. Sharing perspectives and making connections with the professional world, educational professionals post blogs to establish contacts with early childhood professionals; reach out to international contacts in the field to gain an understanding poverty issues in different regions, issues related to excellence at the forefront of professional discussions, and insight on further development opportunities; and share Web resources, such as websites and e-newsletters. 

Nearly all professionals benefit from the ability to understand, evaluate, and use research effectively. In this course, education professionals prepare to be knowledgeable consumers of research, understand the language of research, and apply research and inquiry skills to the early childhood field. They engage in a variety of conceptual and application-based assignments focused on building skills in analyzing trends, critically assessing emerging knowledge, and using a variety of tools to access and evaluate research. They also have the opportunity to practice and apply course concepts and theories through research on early childhood research topics of personal or professional interest.

Understanding and respecting the diversity and individuality of every child and family is central to effective practice and at the heart of the early childhood field. Education professionals in this course examine family cultures and their impact on children and programs, and they investigate issues related to access, equity, and social justice. Through assignments designed to provide practical application of content, they also work toward developing an in-depth understanding of the intricacies of diversity, scrutinizing their own biases to effectively work with and advocate for all children and families.

Professionals in the field of early childhood education must engage often with other colleagues, families, agencies, and government officials; therefore, communication and collaboration skills are essential to effective and productive work in the field. Education professionals in this course explore the use of tools and strategies to collaborate with others, such as building relationships, teaming, negotiating, problem solving, resolving conflicts, and building consensus. They engage in coursework that emphasizes effective practices for working with diverse families, collaboration with colleagues to improve programs and services for children and families, and communication skills needed to advocate and work effectively with agencies and government officials. Through this course, education professionals learn and practice techniques essential to effective one-on-one interactions and group work while deepening their understanding of how cultural responsiveness influences successful communication and collaboration.

Involvement in public policy and advocacy efforts help foster the well-being of young children and families as well as the field of early childhood education. Effective involvement in the field of early childhood education, however, requires a foundational understanding of the system, its functions, and all its parts. In this course, education professionals examine the complexities of the early childhood infrastructure from local, state, national, and international perspectives. They explore, discuss, and blog about a variety of topics, such as public opinion with regard to the value and importance of providing quality services; parent, family, and community engagement; influence of current sociocultural, economic, and political contextual factors; and personal perspectives and reflections on the bonds of a collaborative learning community. Education professionals also analyze case studies to understand policy formation; connections between policies, politics, government; and allocation of funds.

Early childhood professionals must be skilled advocates to effect change positively. Education professionals are provided with the opportunity to gain the necessary tools, strategies, and insights to influence policy and advocate for young children, families, and the profession. Education professionals explore grant writing as well as family and political advocacy and research practices integral to effective leadership roles. Through a variety of conceptual and application-based assignments, they gain practical insight on building coalitions, developing communications plans, and designing effective public policies and advocacy initiatives.

The master’s capstone experience provides education professionals with an opportunity to integrate and apply learning to real-world situations, issues, or problems. Education professionals choose a field project, issue, or problem related to their specialization that is of sufficient scope to enable them to apply theories, concepts, and practices from across their prior coursework. (Prerequisites: All other courses.)

In this course, education professionals focus on leadership and professionalism in the early childhood field; analysis of current research; ethical considerations; and multiple theories of child development, teaching, and learning. Education professionals are introduced to the foundation of evidence-based research and decision making, which is interwoven throughout the program. Education professionals also build understanding of the philosophy, requirements, and community of Walden University, the Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership, and the M.S. in Early Childhood Studies program.

Education professionals in this course critically examine typical and atypical physical, cognitive/language, and social and emotional development. They examine the powerful and important influence of cultural and linguistic diversity on the development of children from the prenatal stage through age 8. They also examine new findings related to the factors that foster and impede healthy development and learning, and they explore how adults can support healthy development. Additionally, education professionals have the opportunity to observe children in a variety of settings to gain practical insight on the developing child in the real-world.

Researchers indicate that long-term benefits from early childhood programs result only when the programs are of high quality. In this course, education professionals explore the components essential to program effectiveness, including planning for, improving, and evaluating program quality. They learn research-based, effective practices for promoting learning and development across developmental domains and subject matter areas in children from birth through age 8. Education professionals transfer new knowledge and skills to an authentic context through practical assignments, such as reflective blog posts and real-world observations of professionals in the field.

Leaders in the early childhood field must have in-depth understanding of the critical issues and trends affecting young children, their families, and the field. Education professionals in this course explore changing demographics; political and economic influence on programmatic funding streams; current debates related to school success, effective assessment and the achievement gap; and brain research influence on early development, care, and education from a historical and current perspective. Sharing perspectives and making connections with the professional world, educational professionals post blogs to establish contacts with early childhood professionals; reach out to international contacts in the field to gain an understanding poverty issues in different regions, issues related to excellence at the forefront of professional discussions, and insight on further development opportunities; and share Web resources, such as websites and e-newsletters. 

Nearly all professionals benefit from the ability to understand, evaluate, and use research effectively. In this course, education professionals prepare to be knowledgeable consumers of research, understand the language of research, and apply research and inquiry skills to the early childhood field. They engage in a variety of conceptual and application-based assignments focused on building skills in analyzing trends, critically assessing emerging knowledge, and using a variety of tools to access and evaluate research. They also have the opportunity to practice and apply course concepts and theories through research on early childhood research topics of personal or professional interest.

Understanding and respecting the diversity and individuality of every child and family is central to effective practice and at the heart of the early childhood field. Education professionals in this course examine family cultures and their impact on children and programs, and they investigate issues related to access, equity, and social justice. Through assignments designed to provide practical application of content, they also work toward developing an in-depth understanding of the intricacies of diversity, scrutinizing their own biases to effectively work with and advocate for all children and families.

Professionals in the field of early childhood education must engage often with other colleagues, families, agencies, and government officials; therefore, communication and collaboration skills are essential to effective and productive work in the field. Education professionals in this course explore the use of tools and strategies to collaborate with others, such as building relationships, teaming, negotiating, problem solving, resolving conflicts, and building consensus. They engage in coursework that emphasizes effective practices for working with diverse families, collaboration with colleagues to improve programs and services for children and families, and communication skills needed to advocate and work effectively with agencies and government officials. Through this course, education professionals learn and practice techniques essential to effective one-on-one interactions and group work while deepening their understanding of how cultural responsiveness influences successful communication and collaboration.

Diversity can have a profound influence on children’s development and learning. Education professionals in this course explore areas of diversity, including developmental and learning needs, such as English-language learners, children on the autism spectrum, and children with developmental delays. They also address the impact of living in poverty and experiencing stress/violence/trauma in the context of families, early childhood settings, and school classrooms. Applying course concepts, education professionals engage in practical exercises through which they reflect on their own perspectives and biases and learn the complex ways families influence their children. Moreover, they learn the importance of using current research and resources to improve developmental and learning outcomes for every child.

Working with children and families who have diverse developmental and learning needs requires not only a deep understanding of and respect for the individual child but also research-based knowledge of effective practices, strategies, and services. Through this course, education professionals develop and assess practical strategies and tools needed in educational settings to plan curriculum, teach, assess, and, if necessary, refer young children. They learn to use knowledge of children’s unique characteristics to help create respectful, supportive, and challenging environments and experiences that foster healthy development and learning.

The master’s capstone experience provides education professionals with an opportunity to integrate and apply learning to real-world situations, issues, or problems. Education professionals choose a field project, issue, or problem related to their specialization that is of sufficient scope to enable them to apply theories, concepts, and practices from across their prior coursework. (Prerequisites: All other courses.)

In this course, education professionals focus on leadership and professionalism in the early childhood field; analysis of current research; ethical considerations; and multiple theories of child development, teaching, and learning. Education professionals are introduced to the foundation of evidence-based research and decision making, which is interwoven throughout the program. Education professionals also build understanding of the philosophy, requirements, and community of Walden University, the Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership, and the M.S. in Early Childhood Studies program.

Education professionals in this course critically examine typical and atypical physical, cognitive/language, and social and emotional development. They examine the powerful and important influence of cultural and linguistic diversity on the development of children from the prenatal stage through age 8. They also examine new findings related to the factors that foster and impede healthy development and learning, and they explore how adults can support healthy development. Additionally, education professionals have the opportunity to observe children in a variety of settings to gain practical insight on the developing child in the real-world.

Researchers indicate that long-term benefits from early childhood programs result only when the programs are of high quality. In this course, education professionals explore the components essential to program effectiveness, including planning for, improving, and evaluating program quality. They learn research-based, effective practices for promoting learning and development across developmental domains and subject matter areas in children from birth through age 8. Education professionals transfer new knowledge and skills to an authentic context through practical assignments, such as reflective blog posts and real-world observations of professionals in the field.

Leaders in the early childhood field must have in-depth understanding of the critical issues and trends affecting young children, their families, and the field. Education professionals in this course explore changing demographics; political and economic influence on programmatic funding streams; current debates related to school success, effective assessment and the achievement gap; and brain research influence on early development, care, and education from a historical and current perspective. Sharing perspectives and making connections with the professional world, educational professionals post blogs to establish contacts with early childhood professionals; reach out to international contacts in the field to gain an understanding poverty issues in different regions, issues related to excellence at the forefront of professional discussions, and insight on further development opportunities; and share Web resources, such as websites and e-newsletters. 

Nearly all professionals benefit from the ability to understand, evaluate, and use research effectively. In this course, education professionals prepare to be knowledgeable consumers of research, understand the language of research, and apply research and inquiry skills to the early childhood field. They engage in a variety of conceptual and application-based assignments focused on building skills in analyzing trends, critically assessing emerging knowledge, and using a variety of tools to access and evaluate research. They also have the opportunity to practice and apply course concepts and theories through research on early childhood research topics of personal or professional interest.

Understanding and respecting the diversity and individuality of every child and family is central to effective practice and at the heart of the early childhood field. Education professionals in this course examine family cultures and their impact on children and programs, and they investigate issues related to access, equity, and social justice. Through assignments designed to provide practical application of content, they also work toward developing an in-depth understanding of the intricacies of diversity, scrutinizing their own biases to effectively work with and advocate for all children and families.

Professionals in the field of early childhood education must engage often with other colleagues, families, agencies, and government officials; therefore, communication and collaboration skills are essential to effective and productive work in the field. Education professionals in this course explore the use of tools and strategies to collaborate with others, such as building relationships, teaming, negotiating, problem solving, resolving conflicts, and building consensus. They engage in coursework that emphasizes effective practices for working with diverse families, collaboration with colleagues to improve programs and services for children and families, and communication skills needed to advocate and work effectively with agencies and government officials. Through this course, education professionals learn and practice techniques essential to effective one-on-one interactions and group work while deepening their understanding of how cultural responsiveness influences successful communication and collaboration.

Diversity can have a profound influence on children’s development and learning. Education professionals in this course explore areas of diversity, including developmental and learning needs, such as English-language learners, children on the autism spectrum, and children with developmental delays. They also address the impact of living in poverty and experiencing stress/violence/trauma in the context of families, early childhood settings, and school classrooms. Applying course concepts, education professionals engage in practical exercises through which they reflect on their own perspectives and biases and learn the complex ways families influence their children. Moreover, they learn the importance of using current research and resources to improve developmental and learning outcomes for every child.

Working with children and families who have diverse developmental and learning needs requires not only a deep understanding of and respect for the individual child but also research-based knowledge of effective practices, strategies, and services. Through this course, education professionals develop and assess practical strategies and tools needed in educational settings to plan curriculum, teach, assess, and, if necessary, refer young children. They learn to use knowledge of children’s unique characteristics to help create respectful, supportive, and challenging environments and experiences that foster healthy development and learning.

The master’s capstone experience provides education professionals with an opportunity to integrate and apply learning to real-world situations, issues, or problems. Education professionals choose a field project, issue, or problem related to their specialization that is of sufficient scope to enable them to apply theories, concepts, and practices from across their prior coursework. (Prerequisites: All other courses.)