Master's in Teaching and Learning: Early Childhood Education - Faculty Preparation Concentration

The ECE-FP program is designed for early childhood education (Birth-Grade 2) teachers and professionals with at least 1 year of experience seeking to earn a Master’ degree in Teaching and Learning with a focus on Early Childhood Teacher Preparation. This program is fully online with coursework completed both synchronously and asynchronously. ECE-FP is a streamlined program and is designed to specifically meet the educational needs of adult learners and capitalize on your experiences as you focus on early childhood education and learning to teach future ECE teachers. 

Features

• 100% online, cohort-based, 15-month program
• 100% of tuition and fees are grant funded
• Laptop computer and some childcare costs, if needed, are provided
• Dedicated academic advisor and success coach
• Course content designed specifically for this program
• Professional development offered through additional workshops and conferences
• The program begins in May 2023 and ends in August 2024.

Eligibility

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, preferably in Early Childhood Education
• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• At least 1 year of experience working in an early childhood setting
• Due to the nature of the funding, priority is given to persons from historically underserved communities and/or that have served children and families in high-needs communities.

Application Process

• To initiate the pre-admission process, submit the free form below.  This is not an official application, but rather a way to express interest in finding out more details about the program.
• Submit unofficial transcripts from all previously attended institutions of higher education.
• Our program staff will review preapplications to determine eligibility. From those that are eligible, 20 students will be selected to participate. Program staff will work and communicate with you directly.  
• If you are selected for the program, you will be given further instructions to complete your official application for admission to Illinois State University.

In order to be considered for the cohort starting courses in May 2023, please submit your preapplication with unofficial transcripts by April 1^st.

Submit Preapplication Form

In the preapplication, you will be asked to upload the following:

• A resume or curriculum vita that includes at least the following information:
  • Educational information (degrees, major, GPA).
  • Teaching/education experience (including school/agency name and years).
  • Any other additional relevant information.
• A short (2-page maximum) statement that includes the following:
  • Your interest in this program and the professional goals that it would help you reach.
  • Your definition of diversity and your personal experiences meeting the needs of diverse learners.
  • A description of a time that you demonstrated your commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in the classroom.
• Unofficial transcripts from previous higher education institutions.

Questions

Email Ellis Hurd: ehurd@ilstu.edu