Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

In Walden University's Teacher Preparation Program with a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) with a specialization in Early Childhood Education (Birth-Grade 3), you will have the opportunity to study theories in learning, childhood development, and classroom management while developing teaching strategies, communication skills, and an understanding of early childhood teaching practices. Specialization courses provide an overview of early childhood education programs; social, physical, and cognitive development in young children; the importance of playing and creativity; and methods for teaching reading, mathematics, social studies, and science. The core curriculum addresses classroom management, student assessment methods, and cultural diversity in education. The program also provides the chance to gain experience teaching in a real classroom and the opportunity to apply theories and concepts learned throughout the program to the development of an educational project.

What Are the Prerequisites?

You should hold a bachelor's degree prior to pursuing Walden University's Teacher Preparation Program with a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) with a specialization in Early Childhood Education (Birth-Grade 3). An academic background in education and a desire to work with young children are important.

What Are the Program Requirements?

You will complete a total of 43 semester credit hours in the Teacher Preparation Program with a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) with a specialization in Early Childhood Education (Birth-Grade 3). This requirement includes 37 credits in core and specialization courses and six credits in a Master of Arts in Teaching research project.

Early Childhood Education Courses

• Teacher as Lifelong Learner and Professional Educator
• Today's Classroom and the Diverse Learner
• Effective Practices: Assessment, Teaching, and Learning
• Classroom Management
• Seminar: Professional, Ethics, Communication, and Collaboration: Early Childhood Education
• Early Childhood Education: Past, Present, and Future
• Teaching Reading, P-3
• Developmentally Appropriate Practices for Infants and Toddlers
• Play and Learning for the Preschool Child
• Teaching Mathematics, P-3
• Teaching Across the Content Area, P-3
• Demonstration Teaching: Early Childhood Education

Master of Arts in Teaching Courses

• Educational Research: Foundations
• Educational Research: Practical Applications

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Opportunities

Upon completing Walden University's Teacher Preparation Program with a Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) with a specialization in Early Childhood Education (Birth-Grade 3) and obtaining necessary state licensure, you could assume teaching duties for children age eight and younger. You could teach a variety of subjects in several types of academic settings. Positions you could pursue include:

• Elementary school teacher
• Kindergarten teacher
• Preschool teacher

Career opportunities may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.