Programme Description

Goals and Objectives

This 37-credit hour Masters of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education is designed to reflect current state-of-art thinking in early childhood education. The programme meets accreditation national standards (NCATE approved guidelines) and reflects the national and international perspective that early childhood education is a recognized field to study for professionals working with young children (birth through age 8). The programme has also been accredited by the University Council of Jamaica.

Major goals of the programme are to provide early childhood professionals with an opportunity to:

• engage in professional growth experiences associated with becoming teacher educators, instructional supervisors, and other master teachers and assuming leadership roles in programme development and mentoring.
• develop specialized expertise associated with leadership roles such as programme administrator or curriculum specialist/consultant.
• extend basic knowledge and understanding that leads to expertise in interpreting. research and / or pursuing action or applied research.

The objectives, which identify expectations for the candidates, are stated as outcomes. Upon completion of this programme, each student will be expected to demonstrate:

• in-depth understanding of development and learning and the concomitant implications for practice.
• in-depth understanding of developmentally appropriate curriculum and instruction for young children.
• knowledge of various programme models and their implications for practice.
• the ability to develop and evaluate programmes from diverse socio-cultural and language backgrounds, different ages, different developmental levels, and special needs or special abilities.
• the ability to critically examine and Interpret implications of current issues and trends in the profession.
• understanding of and the ability to develop and use a variety of assessment procedures for children, curricula, and learning environments.
• the ability to engage in reflective inquiry and self-assessment.
• the ability to work collaboratively with other professionals, mentors, and volunteers.

Curriculum

The programme has three main emphases. These are:

• Several courses lay a foundation for work in education with a focus on the philosphical, historical, and sociological roots of the field. Others will prepare students to use and conduct research to understand and expand this knowledge base.
• The programme provides an opportunity for candidates to develop in-depth understanding in an area of specialization. This affords students an opportunity to make a choice in an area where they wish to develop expertise.

The Structure of the Programme

• The entire programme will be offered on-site at Shortwood Teachers' College, 77 Shortwood Road, Kingston 8, Jamaica.
• Thirteen courses will be taught over six semesters (summer & Easter), beginning summer 2006. There will be 40 contact hours per course, and classes are held Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Additional contact hours are established through Website and Email connections. Students can also access the USF online library.
• A comprehensive examination will be the culminating requirement of this programme.
• Applicants should be computer literate and possession of a computer would be an asset.