Grand Canyon University offers the Master of Education in Early Childhood Education (Leads to Credential) Program in the online format. This program is designed for teaching professionals who desire to obtain advanced expertise and skills in the field of early childhood development and teaching. Graduates of this program are expected to gain such expertise and skills which they can use to facilitate and improve the education and development of young children from birth to Grade 3.

The program has a length of forty-four (44) credits. Required courses include Child/Family/Community and Culture, Early Literacy Development, Foundations of Early Childhood, Child Guidance/Management and the Environment, Introduction to the Exceptional Learner, Child Growth and Development, Health/Safety/Nutrition and Fitness, Developmental and Functional Assessment: Birth to Age 8, Instructional Teaching Methodologies: Language/Math/Science/Social Studies and the Arts, Student Teaching: Birth to Pre-school, and Student Teaching: K-3. The program also involves a total of one hundred (100) practicum hours. The Arizona Department of Education requires all applicants for certification in the State of Arizona to take the Arizona/Federal Government course as well as six (6) credits of Structured English Immersion.

The program’s practicum experiences are included in several courses. It requires a teaching component and can lead to a teaching credential in the State of Arizona upon the required approval. Applicants must be Bachelor degree holders. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Participants of the program will also get to explore the impact of health, nutrition, family, safety, fitness and culture on early childhood education. Possible career positions include program directorship, curriculum development, and counseling, among others.

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