MSc in Education in Early Childhood Education in Dekalb United States | Northern Illinois University

The master's program in early childhood education aims to develop and expand the expertise of educators working with children aged eight and under. This program can help satisfy Early Childhood Professional Education License (PEL) criteria or allow for tailored coursework to meet special education endorsement needs for teaching young children with exceptionalities up to age six. The M.S.Ed. in early childhood education provides specialized training to deepen and expand the professional development of educators and specialists serving children from infancy through age eight. Beyond core requirements, curriculum will be customized according to each student's prior education, work experience, and career objectives. Those pursuing this M.S.Ed. may also select courses to qualify for the Early Childhood Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL), enabling them to teach children from birth through second grade in Illinois public schools. Graduates meeting PEL standards will automatically qualify for the Gateways to Opportunity Level 5 Early Childhood Education (ECE) credential. Participants may alternatively choose coursework to satisfy early childhood special education approval standards for instructing preschool-aged children with disabilities and unique learning requirements.