Early Childhood Unified (Birth-K)

Master's in Early Childhood Unified at KU

The master's in early childhood unified* at the University of Kansas School of Education prepares early educators as leaders requiring that all candidates understand the complexities of today’s educational system and its diversity. The term “unified” refers to the unification of general early education and early childhood special education knowledge and skills with a single early childhood preparation/credential.

• Prepares professionals to meet the learning and developmental needs of all infant, toddler, preschool and kindergarten-age children, including those at-risk for and with disabilities.
• Addresses interdisciplinary approaches that integrate developmentally appropriate early education and early childhood special education strategies into holistic and functional activities for young children and their families in their natural environments.
• Emphasizes collaborative and team-based processes that empower families and program staff to work together to support the development of all young children.

Benefits of the program include:

• Program Reputation - KU’s Master's in Early Childhood Unified is offered through the KU Department of Special Education, which was recently ranked #1 according to U.S. News & World Report’s Best Public Institutions. 
• Nationally-accredited Program - The KU School of Education is accredited under the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) Standards through the CAEP Accreditation System.
• Aligned with Standards - The program content knowledge and performance goals are aligned with the Kansas teacher licensure standards for the ECU birth through kindergarten (age 6) content area and the professional education standards.
• Available Funding - The Department of Special Education may have federal grant dollars to support a limited number of students. To learn more about these grant funds, contact Eva Horn at evahorn@ku.edu.
• Two Campus Locations - The master's in early childhood unified is offered at both the main KU campus in Lawrence, as well as the KU Edwards Campus in Overland Park, Kansas.

Let us know you are interested.

*This program is a Master of Science in Education degree in special education with an emphasis in early childhood unified.