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Kean University

What You Learn

  • Develop your leadership skills to become a successful director, head teacher, administrator or supervisor of early childhood education
  • Master advanced curriculum and teaching of young children in theory and practice
  • Create positive partnerships with families and build family and community relationships
  • Learn how to observe, document and assess child development
  • Be able to build meaningful curriculum and use developmentally effective approaches to connect with children and their families
  • Study 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

Department Chair:
Jennifer Chen, Ed.D.
Office Location HH - 419
Email jchen@kean.edu
Phone (908) 737-3809

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

Early Childhood P-3 Endorsement Certification

Department Chair:
Jennifer Chen, Ed.D.
Office Location HH - 419
Email jchen@kean.edu
Phone (908) 737-3809

Non-Degree Alternate Route

Director:
Steven LoCascio, Ed.D.
HH 206
Phone: (908) 737-5977
Email: locascst@kean.edu

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

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

Cougars Climb Higher

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.

Graduate Assistantships

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

Kean University operates an on-campus day care center.
Graduate Assistantships

Internships and Jobs

At Kean, we believe in helping all of our students find internships and jobs that support their career goals. Career services staff provide professional services and offer job fairs and networking events year-round.

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

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.

Early Childhood Education students take part in school supplies drive
Research and Community Service

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
Preschool teacher of the deaf
Early Childhood Education graduate student Kimberly Kasten
Kean University Academics

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