Early Childhood Education for NYS Certified Teachers

 

Program Overview

This master’s program will prepare you to teach in a variety of educational settings within the birth to grade 2 levels. It is recognized by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Coursework and Clinical Experiences

Courses are offered in the afternoon and evening. Some courses may be available in an online or hybrid format. Select courses have required hours of classroom experience (fieldwork) in a New York City public school. Students also participate in supervised teaching (student teaching and/or practicum) as the culmination of their course of study. Student teaching and/or practicum requires five full days per week for at least one semester.

Credits

30 to 35

Certification

Early Childhood Education (Birth to Grade 2)

Eligibility and Admission Requirements

For applicants who hold NYS certification in Childhood Education, Common Branches PreK- Grade 6, Childhood or Early Childhood Special Education, or TESOL

  • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.0 or a master’s degree with a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.5
  • NYS initial, professional, or permanent certification in Childhood Education, Pre-K to Grade 6, Students with Disabilities Birth to Grade 2 or Grades 1 to 6, or TESOL
  • A statement of purpose
  • Two letters of recommendation

To Apply

Applications are accepted each Fall and Spring semester.

We’re launching a new graduate admission application! The application will be available in late summer 2025. While you wait for the application to launch, view the How to Apply page for full application requirements. Join our School of Education email list for updates.

Application Deadlines

Fall Start

  • March 15

Spring Start

  • October 15

Visit How to Apply for information about deadline extensions.

Related Programs

If you hold initial NYS certification in Early Childhood Education, consider our programs in Bilingual Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Special Education, or TESOL.

If you hold a Master’s degree and certification in Childhood Education, and wish to obtain an additional certificate in Early Childhood, you may be eligible for our Specialized Additional Teaching Certificate program in Early Childhood Education.

Contact an Admissions Advisor

edadmissions@hunter.cuny.edu

Program Leaders

Carmen Brown

Lacey Peters

Upcoming Events