Early Childhood Education Program: Application and Acceptance Process From The Credential and Certification Programs
Early Childhood Education Program: Application and Acceptance Process From The Credential and Certification Programs
Early Childhood Education Program: Application and Acceptance Process From The Credential and Certification Programs
The mission of the Early Childhood Education Program is to prepare caring and
competent teachers and administrators to work with a diverse population of children
and their families in a variety of early childhood settings serving children from ages
28 years old.
The program also prepares students for leadership roles in Early Childhood
Education (ECE) teacher training and parent education programs, leaders who
affirm and promote the essential goodness, dignity and freedom of all people. St.
Mary’s College offers the following Early Childhood Education programs:
California Child Development Permits
Masters of Arts Degree
· Supervision and Leadership
· Curriculum and Instruction
· Montessori Early Childhood Education
Note: Acceptance into any SOE graduate degree program requires a separate
application and acceptance process from the credential and certification programs.
California Child Development Permits
The ECE Master’s degree programs can be designed to include the educational
requirements for California Child Development Permits issued by the California
Commission on Teacher Credentialing. The California Child Development Permit
requires coursework and experience in ECE. See the Early Childhood Education
program coordinator for more details and specific information, or view the permit
requirements online at www.childdevelopment.org/spermmat.htm.
Masters of Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education
Specialization: Supervision and Leadership (30 units)
The Master of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education with a specialization in
Supervision and Leadership is open to students who have at least two years of
teaching experience. The program prepares candidates to assume leadership
positions, such as program directors and site supervisors, Graduates of this master's
degree program may be qualified to apply for the highest levels of the California
Child Development Permit: “Site Supervisor and Program Director.”
Specialization Courses (13 units)
EDUC 210
EDUC 244
EDUC 273
ECE 231
ECE 541
ECE 560
Elective Courses (8 units, minimum)
These courses require approval of the Program Director or advisor and should be
related to major area of interest and/or thesis or synthesis project.
Possibilities include:
ECE 340
ECE 258
MSTE 223
MSTE 275
MONT 261
MONT 287
ECE 267
ECE 268
Research Courses (9 units)
EDUC 572
EDUC 582
EDUC 592
Note. Passing of EDUC 572 (Research Seminar I) with a B or better and passing the
Writing Proficiency Exam (WPE) are required for unconditional acceptance to this
graduate degree program and are prerequisites to EDUC 582 (Research Seminar
II). Therefore, all masters degree students are advised to pass EDUC 572 and the
WPE in the first semester of their graduate coursework.
Curriculum and Instruction (30 units)
The Master of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education with a specialization in
Curriculum and Instruction prepares students to teach in high quality early
childhood programs. It is based on several theoretical models and the guidelines set
by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) for
developmentally and culturally appropriate practice. Upon completion of this
master's degree program, students may be qualified to apply for the California Child
Development Permits through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
Specialization Courses (13 units)
EDUC 210
ECE 263 (Prerequisite: ECE 165/265)
ECE 264
ECE 259
ECE 260
Elective Courses (8 units, minimum)
These courses require approval of the Program Director or advisor and should be
related to major area of interest and/or thesis or synthesis project.
Electives (7 units) Possibilities include:
ECE 258
ECE 231
ECE 310
ECE 340
ECE 266
ECE 541
ECE 267
ECE 268
MONT 311
MONT 263
MONT 264
Research Courses (9 units)
EDUC 572
EDUC 582
EDUC 592
Note. Passing of EDUC 572 (Research Seminar I) with a B or better and passing the
Writing Proficiency Exam (WPE) are required for unconditional acceptance to this
graduate degree program and are prerequisites to EDUC 582 (Research Seminar
II). Therefore, all masters degree students are advised to pass EDUC 572 and the
WPE in the first semester of their graduate coursework.
Early Childhood Education Courses
ECE 131/231 Positive Discipline and Classroom Management (2)
Understanding and implementing positive techniques leading to selfdiscipline on
the part of the child. Introduction to professional responsibilities and classroom
management techniques based on Dreikurs, Gordon, Montessori, Wood and Clark
Fieldwork and seminars.
ECE 163/263 Mathematics: Conceptual Learning (3)
Montessori mathematical materials, their function, and use in the child's learning
experience with emphasis on conceptual learning through selfdiscovery.
Progression from the concrete to the abstract with comparison to current
mathematical methodologies. Relating the materials to their theoretical structures
and the development of logical mathematical thought.
ECE 164/264 Language and Reading Development (3)
Theories of language acquisitiondevelopment of oral and symbolic language and
the integration of reading theories with contemporary educational thought.
Comprehensive review including the use of the language experience approach.
phonics. and linguistic approaches to the development of prereading, reading, and
writing skills and the role of multicultural literature in promoting inclusive
classrooms. (Emphasis on writingtoread progression.) Montessori language
materials, their function and use in child learning experience.
ECE 165/265 Curriculum Foundations (4)
Understanding the philosophical and theoretical foundations of Montessori practical
life and sensorial curricula. The importance of teaching daily living skills to foster
independence and responsibility and education of the senses as basis for future
abstract learning. Required for Montessori students.
Note: This course combines course components of ECE 259 and ECE 260, for 2
units each, if taken separately.
ECE 166/266 Study of the Sciences: Natural, Physical, and Social (3)
An integration of Montessori curriculum areas within the study of the natural and
social sciences: physical and political geography, geology, physics, astronomy,
history, peoples of the world, zoology, and botany. Multicultural and ecological
issues are emphasized within the context of the interrelatedness of all of life.
ECE 167/267 Creative Arts I (1)
Integrating musical experiences, including increasing auditory awareness and
discrimination, and rhythmic movement activities into the total environment.
ECE 168/268 Creative Arts II (1)
Facilitation of children's creative explorations in visual, graphic and manipulative
art experiences using a wide variety of media. Includes application of Montessori
philosophy and methodology to the art curriculum.
ECE 258 Early Education Foundations (3)
The philosophical foundations of early childhood programs. Integration of
psychological and child development theories related to the child and the family.
Field observations of programs based on various philosophies focusing on the role
of the educator/parent and the needs of the child.
ECE 259 Practical Life Curriculum (2)
Understanding the philosophical and theoretical foundations of the Montessori
practical life curriculum and its relation to fostering independence, responsibility,
and selfesteem, Preparing the environment and creating materials, The value of task
analysis in creating curriculum. (See ECE 265)
ECE 260 Conceptual Curriculum (2)
Understanding the philosophical and theoretical foundations of sensorial, concrete
experiential learning using the Montessori sensorial curriculum. Providing keys to
the understanding of concepts through the use of concrete representations of
abstractions. The Aristotelian discarding of matter by means of the ThreePeriod
Lesson. (See ECE 265)
ECE 261 Curriculum Foundations: Special Subjects (2)
Independent development of appropriate ECE curriculum for the young child.
Prerequisite: Approval of instructor
ECE 265 Curriculum Foundations (4)
(See ECE 165)
ECE 270 Current Issues and Public Policy in Early Childhood Leadership (3)
Exploration of current policy issues relevant to early childhood education.
Understanding multiple perspectives as applied to decisionmaking and policy
implementation in early childhood settings, How children, parents and teachers are
all involved in and affected by these decisions.
ECE 311 Advanced Field Observations in Early Childhood Education (1)
Development of observation skills and an introduction to a variety of children's
environments. Observations in various settings (public and private, infant/toddler,
ECE and elementary school programs, day care, and child care centers, etc.)
Exploration of skills and techniques of observation and descriptive, analytical
reporting. Fieldwork and seminar required.
ECE 312 Advanced Field Observations in Early Childhood Education (1)
Development of observation skills and an introduction to a variety of children's
environments. Observations in various settings (public and private, infant/toddler,
ECE and elementary school programs, day care, and child care centers, etc.)
Exploration of skills and techniques of observation and descriptive, analytical
reporting, Fieldwork and seminar required.
ECE 340 Advanced Supervised Field Experience (24)
Field experiences in public and private multicultural educational settings
emphasizing integration of theory with practice. Requires consent of ECE
Coordinator, May be repeated for credit.) (Meets requirements for California Child
Development Permits if ECE field experience not completed previously).
Prerequisite: Completion of all ECE master's degree requirements except EDUC
590, 593, and 592 or 597.
ECE 541 Assessment in Early Childhood Education (1)
Reviews the goals, benefits, legal and ethical issues, current educational research,
and uses of assessment. Responsible use of systematic observation, documentation,
and other traditional and authentic assessment strategies to support children in their
development and learning. Effectively communication of assessment methods and
results with diverse young children, their families and other professions.
ECE 560 Administration and Program Design (3)
Integration of school. home and community resources. Interpretation of local and
state regulations. Planning and development of a comprehensive program, including
all necessary components: schedules, supplies, equipment, and budgets, working
with staff, parent education, management, and supervision. Prerequisite: An
undergraduate ECE administration course or appropriate professional experience.