Early Childhood Education (M.A.T., M.Ed., C.A.S.)
Type 04 Certification
Practicing Professionals Program
Program Description:
The NLU Master of Arts in Teaching in Early Childhood Education is designed for those of you who have your bachelor’s degree and want to qualify for the Illinois Early Childhood (Birth-Grade 3) teaching certificate (Type 04). This program offers future and current early childhood teachers and caregivers a learning environment that promotes the development of exemplary, early childhood classroom practices.
The NLU Certificate of Advance Study in Early Childhood Education is designed for those of you who have your master’s degree but need Illinois Type 04 certification to teach in this field. You will study foundational issues and child development as well as teaching methods across academic subjects and age groups. Earning this degree makes you eligible for the Illinois Type 04 teaching certification.
The NLU M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education is designed for those of you who are certified teachers and early childhood professionals who want a graduate education tailored to your specific needs and interests within a progressive, child-centered framework. Emphasis is placed on school and center practice and on issues that affect a child’s academic and social development. The portfolio you will create, based on National Board of Professional Teaching Standards, can be used as one of the components of your application for National Board certification.
The NLU Subsequent Certification in Early Childhood Education, a non-degree program, is designed for those of you who hold Illinois certificates in Elementary Education, Special Education, or Secondary Education—and want to add a certification in Early Childhood.
The new NLU Early Childhood Practicing Professional (ECPP) Program, a non-degree sequence, is designed for those of you who are experienced early childhood teachers with a bachelor's degree but have no teaching certificate and wish to earn certification in early childhood education.
How You Will Learn:
You have multiple learning options to complete your coursework in Early Childhood Education. One is the cohort model, which means you will go through the program with the same group of 12-20 students. Many NLU graduates like the cohort model because of the support and friendships provided by their fellow students throughout the program.
You can also take courses using a study plan you develop with your advisor. This option allows you to take courses that fit into your schedule. Early Childhood classes are also available online as well as offered in a more traditional classroom environment.
A practicum and 10 weeks of student teaching are required to complete your M.A.T. or C.A.S. For the Subsequent Certification program, you will create an electronic portfolio detailing your preparation and experience, work with an advisor to create a professional development plan and complete a practicum.
What You Will Learn:
- Principles of child development that affect teaching and learning.
- An appreciation for the relationships between family, community, children and schools.
- Different instructional and evaluative methods and their historical and theoretical foundations.
- Methods for teaching content and skills in a supportive learning environment.
- Methods of incorporating technology in teaching practice.
- Techniques for developing curriculum and lesson plans.
- An appreciation of diverse needs and perspectives and an understanding of ways to serve all children and families.
Where You Can Take the Program:
Early Childhood Education courses in this program are offered at campuses in
Chicago,
Skokie (North Shore). Many courses are also offered online. An advisor can assist you in locating the courses you need.
