Reich College of Education

The Advanced Birth-through-Kindergarten license provides an advanced, integrative program for teachers and other professionals working with young children with typical and atypical developmental characteristics. The program systematically incorporates focused laboratory and community-based field experiences with young children and their families to meet the following goals:

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of research and theories regarding typical and atypical growth and development of children from birth through 5.
• Demonstrate advanced skill in application of research to the design and adaptation of appropriate, inclusive learning environments for young children.
• Demonstrate advanced skill in designing, adapting, and evaluating curriculum to promote integration of young children with varying levels of development and ability.
• Develop cultural competence and skill in working with families, based on knowledge of family systems and dynamics.
• Direct personal and professional growth as a reflective practitioner.
• Develop advanced skills in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data, and applying findings to program evaluation and long-range planning.
• Demonstrate skill in transdisciplinary collaboration and professional leadership.

Candidates may select one of two concentrations: teaching, and allied professions for children and families. The teaching concentration is designed to meet the NC advanced master's competencies for master teachers. The allied professions for children and families provides advanced study for professionals in the field who work with young children and their families in diverse roles including consultants, program coordinators, supervisors, and staff development trainers. These two concentrations develop the graduates' research and evaluation expertise and community leadership in early childhood programs.

Applications for a Masters Degree in Birth to Kindergarten to begin in Fall 2012 are currently open. The program will be presented in a "hybrid" format, with approximately two meetings per month at the Appalachian Hickory Center and additional work completed online. For additional information about program format, contact Lisa Freeman at freemanlh@appstate.edu. Go to the Graduate School web site http://www.graduate.appstate.edu/admissions/applying/index.html to begin the application process.