<h2 id="section---FrequentlyAskedQuestions">Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <h3 id="section---WhatKindOfProgramIsIt">What Kind of Program Is It?</h3> <p>National University's online Education Specialist program in Early Childhood Education examines theories and practices for early childhood education in the United States. You'll have the opportunity to study the social, intellectual, emotional, and physical development of infants, toddlers, and young children. You can learn about language development, literacy development, and literacy curriculum and teaching strategies. Additional topics include assessment strategies, program administration, age appropriate curriculum development, teaching strategies, and strategies for developing partnerships between educators, families, and communities. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreThePrerequisites">What Are the Prerequisites?</h3> <p>Before enrolling in the Education Specialist program in Early Childhood Education, you should have earned a master's degree from an accredited institution. You may also have teaching experience and should have an interest in teaching young children. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreTheCourseRequirements">What Are the Course Requirements?</h3> <p>The Education Specialist program in Early Childhood Education requires 33 credits. The program includes 18 specialization credits, six foundation credits, six research methods credits, and three capstone credits. </p> <p><u>Courses for an Education Specialist in Early Childhood Education</u> </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Course Number</th><th>Course Title</th></tr> <tr><td><b>Required Courses</b></td><td /></tr> <tr><td>EDU 8000</td><td> Foundations for Graduate Study in Education</td></tr> <tr><td>EDU 8001</td><td> Advanced Scholarly Writing</td></tr> <tr><td>EDR 8203:</td><td>Research Methods</td></tr> <tr><td>EDR 8204<br /> <b>OR</b><br /> EDR 8205</td><td> Advanced Qualitative Design and Measurement <br /> <br /> Advanced Quantitative Design and Measurement</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Specialization Courses</b></td><td /></tr> <tr><td>Select six courses from the following:</td><td /></tr> <tr><td>ECE 7001</td><td> Topics in Early Childhood Education</td></tr> <tr><td>ECE 7002</td><td>Topics in Early Childhood Growth, Development, and Educational Programs</td></tr> <tr><td>ECE 7003</td><td>Topics in Early Childhood Program Administration</td></tr> <tr><td>ECE 7005</td><td>Early Childhood Curriculum and Assessment</td></tr> <tr><td>ECE 7007</td><td>Early Childhood Literacy and Literature</td></tr> <tr><td>ECE 7009</td><td>Families, Communities, and Schools as Partners in Early Childhood Education</td></tr> <tr><td>CT 7004</td><td>Language and Literacy Education</td></tr> <tr><td>CT 7005</td><td>Literacy: Focus on Curriculum</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Capstone Course</b></td><td /></tr> <tr><td>ED 7053</td><td> Education Specialist Capstone Project</td></tr> </table><h3 id="section---WhatCouldIDoAfterGraduation">What Could I Do After Graduation?</h3> <h4 id="section---CareerOpportunities">Career Opportunities</h4> <p>After completing the Education Specialist program in Early Childhood Education, you could seek teaching opportunities in public and private preschools, elementary schools, and child care organizations. Examples of positions you may wish to pursue include: </p> <ul><li>Preschool Teacher </li><li>Kindergarten Teacher </li><li>Elementary School Teacher </li><li>Child Care Director</li></ul>