Early Childhood Education (M.A.)

A strong early childhood education is a crucial building block for a child's future.

Kean’s early childhood education master’s program prepares students to be instructional leaders who deliver a robust educational experience to their students in preschool through third grade (P-3), and prepare children for a life of learning.

At Kean, our students learn the skills they need to be successful leaders of educational programs serving young children and their families.

Kean also offers options for certification and endorsement. The P-3 Alternate Route program is available for those who hold a non-education degree but want to become certified to teach children in preschool through third grade. The P-3 Endorsement is designed for certified teachers seeking to specialize in early childhood education.

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Early Childhood Education graduate class — Kean's early childhood education graduate programs prepare students to be leaders in the field.

What You Learn

You become well-versed in promoting child development and learning.

Develop leadership skills to make you a successful director, head teacher, administrator or supervisor of early childhood education

Master advanced curriculum and teaching for young children, in theory and practice

Find out how to create positive partnerships with families, and build family and community relationships

Gain knowledge of how to observe, document, and assess children

Use content knowledge to build meaningful curriculum, and use developmentally effective approaches to connect with children and families

Understand the importance of play in young children’s development and learning

Your training will prepare you for a career as a leader in the field of early childhood education.

Application Deadlines
Fall: June 30
Spring: December 1

Admission Requirements

If you have admissions questions, contact Graduate Admissions at gradadmissions@kean.edu or (908) 737-4723.

M.A. Early Childhood Education, Advanced Curriculum & Teaching Option

Course Requirements

Program Coordinator:
Eleni Zgourou, Ph.D.
Email: ezgourou@kean.edu

M.A. Early Childhood, Administration in Early Childhood and Family Studies Option

Course Requirements

Early Childhood P-3 Endorsement Certification

Course Requirements

Program Coordinator:
Eleni Zgourou, Ph.D.
Email: ezgourou@kean.edu

Non-Degree Alternate Route

Course Requirements

Program Coordinator:
Jea Lizz Basubas
Email: basubasj@kean.edu
Phone: (908)-737-3793

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I think the program is helpful and engaging; the courses and professors are preparing me for having my own classroom. The fact that you can work full-time, while also being in the program, is very helpful."

Allison Ingram, Early Childhood Education Alternate Route Program

Just landed first full-time job as a preschool teacher in a public school district

Early Childhood Education graduate student Allison Ingram

The Classroom and Beyond

At Kean, we believe learning and professional growth extend far beyond the walls of our classrooms. That's why we encourage you to take advantage of a variety of research opportunities, internships and more that we offer to advance your career and set the stage for continued success.

Kean University operates an on-campus day care center.

Graduate Assistantships

Master's candidates can gain valuable practical experience by serving as graduate assistants at our state-of-the-art childcare center on campus.

Kean students gain real-world experience through internships. (Medical Technology)

Internships and Jobs

At Kean, we believe in helping all of our students find internships or jobs that fulfill their career goals.

Early Childhood Education students take part in school supplies drive

Research and Community Service

Students have opportunities to conduct research in their area of interest, and take part in community service projects to benefit children and education.

All of the students are really open. Everyone shares their professional experience. That's how you really get teaching under your belt, is through experience. The faculty are great, they're understanding and approachable, and they share their own personal experiences."

Kimberly Kasten, Early Childhood Education Certification '18

Preschool teacher of the deaf