The Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education gives formal recognition to those graduate students who have undertaken concentrated research and study concerning the education of young children (birth to age eight). Master's and doctoral students may specialize in early childhood education and have this specialization noted on their transcripts. Students undertake one course (3.0 credit hours), Education 5540 3.0: Educating Young Children, in addition to the Master's and doctoral degree requirements, complete three other courses from a selection approved for the program, and write their research project, thesis or dissertation on a topic in early childhood education, as approved by the Co-ordinator of the Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education.
There is also a direct entry option, separate from the master's and doctoral degrees, which requires the completion of the course Education 5540 3.0: Educating Young Children and four courses from the approved selection.
This option is offered in conjunction with the MEd or PhD degree.
The admission requirements for this option are the same as for the MEd and PhD degrees in Language, Culture and Teaching.
With the permission of their supervisor, students may submit up to two half courses relevant to early childhood education offered in graduate programmes at York or other universities.
This option is offered as direct-entry for the diploma only (no degree).
The admission requirements for this option are the same as for the MEd degrees in Language, Culture and Teaching. The statement of interest for direct-entry applicants must address issues in early childhood education. A committee of two faculty members appointed to the diploma program will assess and make recommendations to the admissibility of applicants for the direct entry program.
With the permission of their advisor, students may submit up to two half courses relevant to early childhood education offered in graduate programs at York or other universities.