Skip to header Skip to Content Skip to Footer
Sconce on the wall at Watson

Leadership, Policy, & Advocacy in Early Childhood Specialization, M.Ed.

Building Stronger Futures for Families and Children and the Early Childhood Workforce
  • 36

    Credit Hours

  • 100%

    Online

program completion feature
program completion feature

Offers

Strong preparation for future leaders in the early childhood field

Dedicated faculty with expertise in early childhood education

Applied learning opportunities

Flexible online format designed to accommodate working professionals

Leadership, Policy and Advocacy in Early Childhood, M.Ed. Program Overview

Building Early Childhood Leaders

This program prepares professionals with an interest in the early childhood field to take leadership roles in organizations that focus on improving the lives of families and children through the collaboration of public policy, community action and educational support. Our graduates serve in positions within community, state and national agencies, in both the public and private sector.

Comprehensive Coursework

The M.Ed. program provides a strong foundation in social, historical, philosophical, developmental, educational and international perspectives of family and child advocacy. Courses focus on the development, health, education and other needs of diverse families and children; the design of effective programs and services for families and children; social and political issues that affect families and children; the use of data for assessment and decision-making; and effective advocacy for the needs of families and children, and programs that support them.

Flexible Program Design

Program participants will complete 36 hours of coursework, and an action research project that focuses on a specific area of family and child advocacy. Courses are offered entirely online to accommodate the schedules of working professionals.

View Student Learning Outcomes

Sample Courses

Sample courses
EDN 512 Historical and Contemporary Issues & Trends in Early Childhood Education
EDN 522 Public Policy & Advocacy for Children & Families
EDN 554 Leadership Theory & Behavior
EDN 510 Internship in Leadership, Policy & Advocacy
EDN 551 Advocacy Research Project
See The Full Curriculum

View More

LPAEC M.Ed. Program Details

T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood North Carolina Logo

T.E.A.C.H. NC Scholarship Program

Child Care Services Association (CCSA), provides educational scholarships to early care professionals and those who perform specialized functions in the early care system. A limited number of scholarships are available to support 100% of tuition costs and bonuses for recipients who complete at least nine credits annually. Current or future leaders and/or managers who are working in the early care and education field in North Carolina are eligible to apply.

View T.E.A.C.H. Info & Scholarship Application

T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship Contact Info

The T.E.A.C.H. scholarship is not administered by the university's graduate program. All questions regarding the T.E.A.C.H. scholarship can be directed to Amy Duffy or Edith Locke at 919.967.3272.

 

Admission Deadlines & Requirements

Information: M.Ed. Leadership, Policy, and Advocacy in Early Childhood Specialization

Apply Now

  • Complete applications are reviewed for admission as a group by the program after the published deadline.
  • All application and supporting documents must be received by the published deadline.

Coordinator

Location/Delivery Method

  • Distance Education

Deadlines (11:59 p.m.)

  • Spring 2025:
    • November 1, 2024
  • Fall 2025:
    • July 1, 2025

Transcripts

  • One official transcript is required from each U.S. post-secondary institution attended. Refer to the Getting Started page for international transcript instructions.

Test Scores

  • None Required

Recommendations

  • 3 recommendations from individuals who can attest to the qualifications of the applicant for admission to this program

Additional Requirements

  1. Upload Supplemental Documents After Application Submission
  2. Essay: Education Statement of Interest Essay
    Essay
  3. Bachelor's Degree: Bachelor’s degree completed before graduate study begins in early childhood or related field (documentation of experience in the field of early childhood is required if bachelor’s degree is in another field).
  4. Requirements may be substituted depending on a student’s background and experience. Consultation with a faculty advisor is required to determine if a substitution is appropriate.
top