Our M.S. in Early Childhood Services online program is designed to be flexible and convenient for working professionals, with accelerated coursework and multiple start dates a year. APPLY BY: 02/20/23 START CLASS: 03/06/23 A-State Online offers a streamlined admission process for both new students and transfers. Students who are interested in the M.S. in Early Childhood Services online program must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution. Make sure to review full admission requirements below. Applicants to the program who do not qualify for unconditional admission may qualify for conditional admission. Teacher Education Core Courses ELFN 6773: Introduction to Statistics and Research Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3 An introductory course in methods and techniques of research, and the statistical treatment and interpretation of research data. TE 6253: Perspectives on Professionalism in Education Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3 This course helps develop perspectives that are essential for educators to understand and fulfill ethical and professional responsibilities in their respective areas, including communication with various audiences, reflection, self-assessment and advocacy within the context of cultural diversity and democratic pluralism. Early Childhood Services Major Courses ECH 6513: Developmental Perspectives Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3 In depth study of child development and developmental differences and influences with an emphasis on applying knowledge to creating learning environments for young children. Additional emphasis on creating collaborative relationships with families and communities to support children's development. ECH 6423: Documenting Young Children's Learning and Development Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3 Course covers creating, selecting and appropriately using a variety of documentation tools in multiple early childhood settings, including observational methods and standardized assessments, as well as partnering with families and other professionals with reference to assessment issues. ECH 6543: Administration and Supervision of Programs for Young Children Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3 A study of the important responsibilities of administrators of child care and preschool program. Emphasis will be placed upon program design, policy formation, fiscal management, staff training, and decision-making. ECH 6533: Sources and Models of Early Childhood Curriculum Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3 Study and analysis of curriculum sources and models for the purpose of critiquing and creating appropriate curriculums. ECH 6773: Research in Early Childhood Education Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3 In-depth examination of current research that documents effective and best practices in early childhood settings. ECH 6783: Leadership in Early Childhood Education Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3 Building upon professional development such as leadership, advocacy and collaboration, this course connects students to the broader contexts of early childhood education and responsibilities to children families, and the profession. ECH 6583: Practicum in Early Childhood Education I Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3 Application of theory and developmentally appropriate practices in an early childhood education setting. Includes development, implementation of a personal research project within the early childhood setting. ECH 6593: Practicum in Early Childhood Education II Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3 Practicum in Early Childhood Education II Practicum experience is developed to meet the student's professional interests and goals within a community-based early childhood education setting. Development and implementation of an action research project required as program capstone.

B+ = 3.0-3.2