Skip to main content
teacher playing blocks with toddlers

Early Childhood Education

We welcome applications on a rolling basis. The next priority application deadline is April 15, 2024.

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. If you want to complete the master’s program leading to initial teaching certification full-time in 15 months, you must start the program in the summer. 

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

Guaranteed 65% tuition savings

Byron Williams Teaching Scholarships

Questions?

Certification options

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

Initial & Professional Certification

MS in Early Childhood Education - On its own or combined with advanced certificates. If you are interested in working with young children (birth to 5 years old) in a variety of contexts such as daycare or private preschool programs. Coursework for the master's degree in early childhood education (birth to grade 2)

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. Coursework for the master's degree in early childhood education and an advanced certificate in inclusion early childhood education

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). Coursework for the master's degree in early childhood education and an advanced certificate in childhood education

Professional Certification Only

(30 credits) Our most flexible option, including 12 credits of electives. Coursework for the master's degree in professional study: early childhood education (birth to grade 2)

(30 credits) Taking online courses can reduce trips to campus in half. Coursework for the master's degree in professional study: generalist (distance option). 

To be able to also teach elementary students up to grade 6 (requires 32 credits including field experiences). Coursework for the master's degree in childhood education (grades 1 to 6)

To be able to better serve your students' diverse learning needs and to teach in inclusive classes (requires 34 credits including field experiences and one student teaching experience). Coursework for the master's degree in inclusion early childhood education (birth to grade 2)

For current teachers

34 credits, including 50 contact hours of field experiences and one student teaching experience; also leads to New York professional teaching certification in your original area of certification. Coursework for the master's degree in early childhood education (birth to grade 2)

Non-Certification

On its own or combined with advanced certificates. If you are interested in working with young children (birth to 5 years old) in a variety of contexts such as daycare or private preschool programs. Coursework for the master's degree in early childhood education (non-teacher certification). 

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. Coursework for the advanced certificate in early childhood education

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.

We welcome applications on a rolling basis. The next priority application deadline is April 15, 2024.

Contact admissions

Request information

Receive a $70 application fee waiver when you complete the form below.

Loading...

Take a course before you apply

Take a course before you apply to one of our programs for a discounted price. Inquire with admissions to learn about credits that also apply toward degree requirements.

Related degrees

  • Master’s in Early Childhood Education Without Certification
  • Master’s in Human Development (with Specialization in Early Childhood)
  • Doctoral Programs Focusing on Early Childhood Education
  • GRADE Program for Undergraduate Applicants

Start your application