Endicott College

Curriculum Design & Instruction (M.Ed.): Early Childhood Education, Initial Licensure (PreK–2)

Build a foundation of theory and practice to support the development of young children.
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Format
*Hybrid with clinicals
Time Commitment
Part-time or full-time options
Duration
12-24 months
Program Start
Fall, Spring, and Summer
Credits
36

*The program is delivered through a hybrid model that integrates asynchronous coursework, structured synchronous engagement, and in-person clinical experiences.

Program Overview

Target Licensure / Track: MA Initial Licensure (PreK–2)

Through extensive coursework and clinical field experiences, this program prepares early childhood educators to become instructional leaders in PreK–2 settings. Candidates study research-based instructional practices—including play-based learning architectures, child development, and data-driven decision-making—to address the academic, social, and emotional needs of young learners. Grounded in DESE requirements, candidates complete early literacy lesson plan designs and structured field observations before entering full clinical practicum. Students receive full institutional support, including personal academic advising, free MTEL preparation workshops, professional networking, and job placement assistance.

Compliance Note: Subject to DESE July 2025 pre-practicum guidelines. Requires 50 structured pre-practicum hours, a minimum of two observation cycles with direct student interaction, and two gateway tasks, including PST Element I-A-3 (Curriculum Literacy). Practicum is 300 hours: 100 in PreK–K and 200 in grades 1–2; at least one setting must include children with disabilities.

Curriculum Requirements - Total Credits Required: 36

Required Courses: 33 Credits

  • ECH 520 - Learning Through Play (Cr: 3)
  • ECH 550 - Methods in Elementary & Early Childhood Pre-Practicum (Cr: 3)
  • ECH 560 - Practicum in Early Childhood Education (Cr: 3)
  • ECH 565 - Reflective Seminar in Early Childhood Education (Cr: 3)
  • EDN 622 - Foundations of Inclusive Innovation: A Critical Introduction (Cr: 3)
  • EDN 623 - Responsive Teaching: Strategies for Equitable and Inclusive Education (Cr: 3)
  • EDN 624 - Foundations of Early Literacy: Evidence-Based and Culturally Sustaining Instruction (Cr: 3)
  • EDN 625 - Policy, Advocacy, and Professional Growth in Education (Cr: 3)
  • EDN 627 - Integrated STEM and Humanities Methods (PreK-12) (Cr: 3)
  • EDN 628 - Data-Based Decision Making & Early Literacy Intervention in an MTSS (Cr: 3)
  • EDN 530 - Sheltered English Immersion (Cr: 3)

Elective Courses: 3 Credits

  • EDN 505 - Social Psychology (Cr: 3)
  • EDN 514 - Mindfulness (Cr: 3)
  • EDN 516 - Prosocial Behavioral Perspectives (Cr: 3)
  • EDN 550 - Cognitive Frameworks for Social Emotional Learning (Cr: 3)
  • EDN 553 - Understanding Emotions in Classroom Settings (Cr: 3)
  • EDN 556 - Identity, Culture and Social Emotional Learning: Convergences and Conflicts (Cr: 3)
  • EDN 557 - Ethical Dilemmas in Education (Cr: 3)
  • EDN 600 - Gender in Education (Cr: 3)
  • EDN 605 - Teacher and Teaching Identities (Cr: 3)
  • EDN 607 - Diversity and Equity in Education (Cr: 3)

View academic catalog and learning outcomes
School of Education

Faculty

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Tuition & Fees
The total cost of attendance reflects the cost-per-credit pricing for the current academic year and depends on how quickly students complete the program. Please visit the link below for more information on tuition and fees, and read our Financial Aid information for ways to fund your education. You may also reach out to one of our helpful graduate school admission staff with any questions.
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Financial Aid
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