Child Study and Early Education

The Child Study and Early Education concentration is designed to provide students with a broad overview of the educational and developmental needs of young children in early education and care settings. Students may seek to acquire or extend their knowledge and skills in Early Intervention (0 – 3years), Preschool Programming (0 5 years), Family Services or Public Policy for Children and Families. There is a strong emphasis on the study of the child, individually and in groups, and with close attention to the cultural context. The study of the child leads directly to accurate assessment and effective programming.

Highlights/Points of Pride

Individualized Program: Students are encouraged to work closely with their advisors to develop a program that meets their unique needs and interests

International Perspective: Many of our current students as well as our alumni have come to us with substantial international experience. This diversity enhances our understanding of the cultural context of early education and care.

Required Courses

Students must complete 33 credits to complete the Master’s degree program of study. The core curriculum of the Child Study and Early Education Masters area includes five courses in three core areas: Child Development, Research and Early Education.  Six specialization or elective courses make up the complement of courses. Across the program a minimum of 6 courses (18 credits) must be taken within Child Study and Early Education or Child and Family Studies concentrations.

1. Child Development (6 credits)
   
   Applied Child Development (HUMDEV 570)
   Theories of Human Development (HUMDEV 660)
   Advanced Child Development (Ed 673)
    
2. Research (3 credits)
   
   Research and Theory in Child and Family Studies I (ED 773)
   Research and Theory in Child and Family Studies II (ED 791B)
   Introduction to Statistics and Computer Analysis I (ED 555)
    
3. Early Education (6 credits)
   
   History of Early Childhood Education (ED 692V)
   Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood Education (ED 697R

Coordinator: J. Kevin Nugent (Professor)
Email: jknugent@educ.umass.edu
Phone: 413 545-3650
Teacher Education and Curriculum Studies
Furcolo Hall
University of Massachusetts
Amherst, MA 01003

Associated Faculty

Claire Hamilton (Associate Professor), Alfred L. Karlson (Associate Professor), Cynthia J. Rosenberger (Lecturer), Ernest D. Washington (Professor)