Childhood Education, Grades 1-6, M.S.

Elena Nitecki, Ph.D., Chair
914-674-7370
enitecki@mercy.edu

The 36-credit Master of Science in Childhood Education, Grades 1–6, offered at Mercy College, leads to initial / professional certification. Clinical placements are determined by a candidate’s undergraduate preparation and teaching experience. Pre-practice candidates will pursue a course of study leading to degree conferral and initial New York State certification. Candidates who do not yet have appropriate experience at both the lower and upper grade levels covered by their prospective certification area(s) will be required to fulfill this requirement during this program. This requirement will be fulfilled by completing 20 days of supervised student teaching in each area of certification(s) they are seeking, and do not already have appropriate experience. Professional candidates must also have completed three years of teaching in the area of the certificate to qualify for the professional certificate.

Qualified applicants may earn two certifications while pursuing the degree in Childhood Education, Grades 1–6. Students complete the required courses for degree conferral and the additional courses specific to the certification area(s) desired. Students pursuing additional certificates will be required to complete additional student teaching and field experiences.

Degree-seeking candidates in all Childhood Education programs must successfully complete the education capstone requirement specific to the Childhood Education program prior to degree conferral.

Degree candidates seeking initial certification will complete a capstone project and submit the edTPA in the clinical practice course.

Childhood Education Program Goals

Candidates will understand, explain, analyze, and apply major theories and philosophies that address physical, affective and cognitive development during the childhood years.
Candidates will create high-quality, meaningful learning opportunities that are based on competencies and content knowledge, utilize developmental knowledge, employ formal and informal assessment strategies and incorporate collaboration with all aspects of the broad school community to facilitate academic achievement to a child’s maximum potential.
Candidates will become reflective practitioners who continually reflect on their practice and actively pursue opportunities for professional growth.

Course Requirements for Initial Certification Candidates

Course Numbers and Titles

EDUC 500 - Educational Foundations from Diverse Perspectives Credit(s): 3
EDUC 502 - Foundations in Education for Students with Disabilities Credit(s): 3
EDUC 505 - Teaching English as a Second Language Credit(s): 3
EDUC 506 - Educational Evaluation and Assessment from Early Childhood through Adolescence Credit(s): 3
EDUC 507 - Approaches to Literacy Instruction in Early Childhood through Adolescence Credit(s): 3
EDUC 605 - Assessing and Correcting Literacy Problems Practicum in Early Childhood and Childhood Credit(s): 3
EDUC 514 - Working with Parents and Families of Children, in Early Childhood and Childhood Credit(s): 3
EDUC 551 - Language Arts in Childhood and Early Childhood Education Credit(s): 3
EDUC 552 - Social Studies in Childhood and Early Childhood Education Credit(s): 3
EDUC 553 - Mathematics in Childhood and Early Childhood Education Credit(s): 3
EDUC 554 - Science in Childhood and Early Childhood Education Credit(s): 3
EDUC 709 - Student Teaching Experience Credit(s): 3
Or
EDUC 713 - Seminar in Teaching Credit(s): 3
Or
EDUC 537 - Current Critical Issues in American Education Credit(s): 3 *
*(Required in lieu of student teaching course for eligible candidates)

Total Credits: 36

Additional Certification

Candidates may pursue additional certification as listed below. Please note that your degree will be in Childhood Education. These courses will lead to an additional New York State certification:

Track 1:

Master of Science in Childhood Education: Grades 1-6, with additional certification in Students with Disabilities.

Add:

EDUC 531 - Methods and Materials in Teaching Students with Disabilities, Birth–Grade 6 Credit(s): 3
EDUC 546 - Educational Assessment for Students with Disabilities Credit(s): 3
EDUC 548 - Principles and Strategies of Classroom Management Credit(s): 3

Total Credits: 45

Professional Licensure

If you are interested in obtaining professional licensure, please check with the appropriate licensing body in the state where you intend to practice. For additional information and detailed requirements, please refer to the specific program of interest on the “School Resources” section of the Mercy College NC-Sara webpage.