COURSE CURRICULUM

Students in the Early Childhood Education MA/MEd program at DePaul University have the option to pursue an initial Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) with an Early Childhood Education endorsement for Birth through Grade 2, along with an Early Childhood Special Education approval. For those who are already licensed teachers, the program also provides the opportunity to add both the Early Childhood Education endorsement and Early Childhood Special Education approval to their existing PEL. In addition, graduates may earn the ECE Gateway credential, further strengthening their qualifications in early childhood education. The program is delivered online using a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning experiences, including supervised practice and regular live meetings with faculty to ensure strong academic and professional support. Designed for flexibility and accessibility, the program can typically be completed in two years while preparing educators to meet the developmental and educational needs of young children in diverse learning environments.