Early Childhood Education

Master's Degree (MS) or Advanced Certificate

Master's in Teaching

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Next deadline is October 15, 2023

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Guaranteed 65% scholarship

Online learning options

Teach the school year following enrollment

Program overview

Few careers give people the opportunity to impact individuals and their communities like teaching. Can you think of a specific teacher who made a difference in your life? Would you like to become that kind of teacher?

The first years of a child’s life are the most formative and impactful. Warner will prepare you to become an innovative early childhood educator, committed and able to help all your students learn and grow.

Our teacher preparation programs offer the shortest path to New York State initial and professional teaching certification

Key program features

Meets all coursework and internship requirements for both initial and professional New York teaching certification: In addition, you will need to pass the required state exams and complete the teaching requirements for professional certification.
Shortest program: Preservice teachers can complete the program in 15 months of full-time study (if starting in summer); certified teachers seeking additional certification in early childhood may require less time.
Focus on Early Childhood (certifying in B-Grades 2) and Elementary Education (certifying in Grades 1-6): Includes two courses focusing on young children’s learning and development as well as elementary methods courses in each of the four core content areas; all internships are taken concurrently with at least one of these courses.
Focus on teaching all students: Includes courses on diversity, students with disabilities, and English language learners; these required courses may be transferred in for certified teachers.
Option to add specializations: With only a few additional credits required, you can pursue additional state certification to also teach up to 6th grade or in inclusive classrooms, or advanced certificates that can strengthen your effectiveness with diverse learners and make you more marketable.

Prerequisites (as required by NYS)

Undergraduate degree in a liberal art (BA) or science (BS)

Scholarships, Tuition, & Financial Aid

Byron Williams Teaching Scholarships guaranteed 65% tuition savings

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Questions?

Certification options

Choose a certification to earn in addition to your degree.
What certification do you need? Learn more

Initial Certification

MS in Early Childhood Education - On it's own or combined with advanced certificates. If you are interested in working with young children (birth to 5 year-old), in a variety of contexts such as daycare or private pre-school programs.

57 credits (including field experiences and two student teaching experiences in inclusive settings); leading to New York State certification in both Early Childhood Education and Teaching Students with Disabilities in Early Childhood.

51 credits (including field experiences and two student teaching experiences); leading to New York State certification in both Early Childhood Education (B-Grades 2) and Childhood Education (Grades 1-6).

Professional Certification

(30 credits) Our most flexible option, including 12 credits of electives.

(30 credits) Taking online courses can reduce trips to campus in half.

To be able to also teach elementary students up to grade 6 (requires 32 credits including field experiences).

To be able to better serve your students' diverse learning needs and to teach in inclusive classes (requires 35 credits including field experiences and one student teaching experience).

Non-Certification

On it's own or combined with advanced certificates. If you are interested in working with young children (birth to 5 year-old), in a variety of contexts such as daycare or private pre-school programs.

Advanced Certificates

Advanced Certificate in Early Childhood Education

Fastest path; as few as 10 credits, including specialization courses plus 50 contact hours of field experiences and one student teaching experience.

Opportunities for additional specializations

Advanced Certificate in Urban Teaching Leadership
Advanced Certificate in Digitally Rich Teaching
Advanced Certificate in Elementary Mathematics Specialist
Advanced Certificate in Early Intervention (certifying in Students with Disabilities B-Grades 2)
Advanced Certificate Literacies
Advanced Certificate in TESOL

Customize your degree

Our degrees are designed to meet your interests and career aspirations. Whether you want to add an advanced certificate or specialize in a distinct area of emphasis, we can help craft the best option for you.