Early Childhood Administration (M.Ed. and C.A.S.)
The ECA Course-by-Course Model
The ECA course-by-course model is designed especially for students currently working as administrators of center-based early childhood programs in Illinois. The course-by-course model is highly flexible. Students can select from a number of electives that best meet their learning goals. Some pursue the degree on a full-time basis and finish in as little as two years while others take a more relaxed pace and complete the requirements over six years. New students may enter the program at the beginning of any term.
As part of the ECA graduate degree program, students participate in Taking Charge of Change; a two-course sequence (ECE525, EPS526) that includes a six-day summer institute and follow-up retreats. Other required courses are offered online.
M.Ed. Core Requirements (9 SH)
| EPS500A |
Contemporary Survey of Child Development with a Focus on Early Childhood |
3 |
| ESR505 |
Educational Inquiry and Assessment |
3 |
| FND503 |
Historical & Philosophical Foundations of Early Childhood Education |
3 |
C.A.S. Core Requirements (3 SH)
| EDL546 |
Perspectives on and Administration of Educational Policies |
3 |
M.Ed.; C.A.S. Program Requirements (18 SH)
| ECE510 |
Child, Family and Community |
3 |
| ECE512 |
Early Childhood Curriculum |
2 |
| ECE515 |
Financial & Legal Aspects of Child Care Administration |
3 |
| ECE525 |
Strategies for Supervision and Staff Development |
3 |
| ECE534 |
Technology in Child Care Administration I |
2 |
| ECE538 |
The Early Childhood Administrator: Individual and Organizational Perspectives |
2 |
| EPS526 |
Organizational Theory, Group Dynamics, & Leadership Applications |
3 |
Program Electives
(Choose 7 SH for M.Ed. and 9 SH for C.A.S. from courses and workshops below in consultation with an ECA advisor)
Courses
| ECE532 |
Advocating for Children with Special Needs |
2 |
| ECE535 |
Technology in Child Care Administration II |
2 |
| ECE536 |
The Director as Child Care Advocate |
2 |
| ECE540 |
Grantwriting and Fundraising for Early Childhood Programs |
2 |
| ECE542 |
Public Relations and Marketing of Early Childhood Programs |
2 |
| ECE544 |
Early Childhood Environments: Design & Facilities Management |
1-2 |
| ECE545 |
Strategies for Effective Coaching and Mentoring |
2 |
| ECE546 |
Presentation Skills for Early Childhood Leaders |
2 |
Workshops
(a maximum of 6 SH will be allowed in fulfilling degree requirements)
| ECE582C |
Early Childhood Program Evaluation |
2-3 |
| ECE582D |
The Administration of School-Age Child Care Programs |
2 |
| ECE582E |
Implementing a Family-Responsive Program |
2 |
| ECE582F |
The New Director |
2-3 |
| ECE582G |
Writing and Editing for Effective Communication |
1 |
| ECE582H |
The Art of Leadership: A World View |
2 |
| ECE582I |
Leadership Connections |
2 |
| ECE582J |
The Administration of Infant/Toddler Programs |
2 |
| ECE585R |
The Reggio Emilia Approach |
1-3 |
| M.Ed. Total Minimum Hours for Degree |
34 |
| C.A.S. Total Minimum Hours for Degree |
30 |
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