Two initial certification M.A. programs are available for students who do not hold teaching certification but wish to become teachers: The Initial M.A. Program in Early Childhood Education for those desiring to work with children from birth to grade two, and the Initial M.A. Program in Childhood Education for those who seek to teach children from grades one through six.

The Early Childhood Program reflects three central themes:

1. creating quality care for all children through the development of strong relationships with families and their communities,
2. developing teaching practice as reflective practitioners and teacher researchers, and
3. a commitment to social justice for young children and their families.

The program can be completed in an accelerated full-time format in a little more than a calendar year, commencing early in the summer, followed by fall and spring semesters, and concluding the following summer.

Students may meet requirements for the American Montessori Society credential through the initial Early Childhood Program, which includes an optional sequence of courses in Montessori Education. Students who successfully complete the Early Childhood Education master's program will have completed the academic requirements for New York State Education Department initial certification in early childhood education. An additional 10 points (164 hours) and full academic year student teaching in an approved Montessori classroom may be completed in combination with the initial master's program in Early Childhood Education and lead to eligibility for additional Montessori certification issued by the American Montessori Society. Dual certification in early childhood/early childhood special education is also available. (See Special Education.)

The Childhood Program views the following themes as central to its curriculum:

1. understanding learning, the learner, communities of learners, and the contexts in which learning occurs;
2. understanding the nature, structure, and the tools of inquiry of the disciplines taught; and
3. using knowledge of pedagogy to create and adapt supportive learning environments based on formal and informal assessments.

The program aims to help prospective teachers who are committed to work in urban schools for educational equity. It has multiple entry points. It may be completed in four academic semesters or on an accelerated full-time basis in a little more than a calendar year, commencing early in the summer followed by fall and spring semesters, and concluding the following summer. Dual certification in childhood/childhood special education is also available. (See Special Education.)

(NOTE: THE PROFESSIONAL MASTERS PROGRAM IN CHILDHOOD WILL NOT BE OFFERED IN 2008-2009.) The professional master's program is intended for teachers who hold provisional certification (preK-grade 6) or initial certification (birth-grade two or grades 1-6) in New York State or an equivalent credential issued by another state or country.  

The 30-point program enables teachers to develop a concentration in an area of study such as social studies/environmental education, mathematics, science, or Montessori education. The professional degree is individualized in nature. The teacher selects an adviser who assists in planning a program of course work to meet professional goals. (Also see Literacy Education.)