MSED in Early Childhood Teacher Certification Program (Birth – Grade 2)
Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the program part-time?  If so, how many years does it usually take to complete the program going part-time?

Yes, you can take the program part-time.  You can set your own pace, whether one or two courses each semester.

How long does it take to complete the program if I attend full-time?

9 semester-hours is considered full-time study.  The Early Childhood program is 38 semester hours, which includes full time student teaching (9 s.h.) during the final semester.  Students typically take the remaining 29 s.h. across 3 full semesters and a January or summer session, or some other combination.

Are many of the courses offered at night?

All courses are typically offered during fall and spring semesters once a week for two hours, beginning at 4:30 or 6:30pm.

When are the placements for observation and student teaching?

Our Office of Field Placement arranges all placements within a reasonable commute of your home.  Curriculum courses before student teaching provide opportunities to practice what you are learning on campus with small groups of children.

What type of placement do you offer post-graduation?

Hofstra University’s Career Center provides help with building your resume, maintaining reference files, and opportunities to attend job fairs and network with professionals in the field.  Our program provides a first year full-time teaching pre-kindergarten mentorship year of employment for some graduates.

What philosophy do you follow?

The Early Childhood program focuses on matching teaching with the ways in which young children learn.  We believe that professional teachers complete the program capable of developing creative, intellectually stimulating, playful, and enjoyable curriculum.  Both teachers and children have reasons to smile when they go to school.  You will develop the tools to become a reflective, creative professional.

What makes the Hofstra Early Childhood Teacher Certification program stand out above the rest?  Why should I choose Hofstra?

We have small classes and caring, dedicated individual faculty advisement.  Many of the department faculty have been recognized for outstanding teaching and scholarship in the field.  Our dedicated Certification Office helps to send your completion recommendation to the New York State Department of Education and provides support in meeting state regulations.  There is also some scholarship funding, particularly during student teaching.  The Curriculum Materials Center provides wonderful support for planning instruction and Hofstra University has a world-class Library.

What do you do to prepare Early Childhood teachers?

Class sessions focus on sharing content-based methods with an understanding of why and how we use them.  There are opportunities to critically analyze and reflect on both methods and materials.

What are the priorities of the program?  What is most important that students learn?

The priority is to prepare teachers to be independent curriculum producers who can match teaching and learning, and respectfully meet the needs of diverse children and their families.

What do you look for in your students?

We look for individuals who bring intelligence, caring, life experience, and commitment to working with young children and their families. 

Is it possible to take courses as a non-matriculated student before enrolling in the program?

Yes.  Your undergraduate degree is a prerequisite for any graduate work.  Admission is rolling throughout the year.  We advise that you complete an application for admission to the program through the Office of Graduate Admissions prior to registering for a course so that you can be sure you qualify for admission.  Speak with a faculty adviser to be sure that the course will lead to your program goal.

How many of your faculty are adjunct and how many are full-time?

Most of the Early Childhood courses are taught by full-time faculty.