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Master of Arts in Early Childhood Policy and Leadership
Shape the future of early childhood education with CUNY SPS's online MA in Early Childhood Policy and Leadership. This fully online, asynchronous program prepares you to lead organizations, influence policy at every level of government, and champion equity in early learning—all while balancing your career and personal commitments. Join one of the few graduate programs in the U.S. specifically designed to transform early childhood professionals into the leaders, advocates, and decision-makers who shape systems that impact young children and families.
Overview
The online MA in Early Childhood Policy and Leadership at CUNY SPS is designed for current and aspiring early childhood professionals who want to shape the systems, programs, and policies that impact young children and families. This program prepares graduates to become leaders, advocates, and decision-makers in the growing field of early childhood education policy and administration.
As one of the few graduate programs in the U.S. focused specifically on early childhood policy and leadership, this master’s degree equips professionals with the knowledge, skills, and experience to:
- Lead early childhood organizations and systems
- Influence policy development at the local, state, and federal level
- Advance equity and inclusion in early learning
- Drive program quality and family engagement
This 30-credit program is offered fully online in an asynchronous format, allowing working professionals to balance career, life, and graduate study. Students engage with peers and faculty through dynamic discussions, applied projects, and community-based learning opportunities.
Students choose between the following two tracks:
- Early Childhood Public Administration: For students interested in obtaining an interdisciplinary perspective to early childhood policy and leadership
- Children’s Program Administrator Credential: For students interested in obtaining NYAEYC’s (NY Association for the Education of Young Children) CPAC Credential
Questions about the Master of Arts in Early Childhood Policy and Leadership?
Learn more about the program at the CUNY School of Professional Studies:
Please read before scheduling:
- Rescheduling, cancellations and missed appointments: If you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment, please do so by going into your calendar and following the links to either cancel or reschedule. If you miss three appointments without giving your advisor prior notice, you'll no longer have access to the Acuity scheduling system. You'll need to request an appointment by emailing your advisor, who will determine availability based on their schedule.
- Please do not book more than one time slot for your appointment, which limits availability for other clients. "Holding" multiple time slots may result in your appointment being canceled or your email being blocked from the Acuity Scheduling system.
Por favor lea antes de programar:
- Reprogramación, cancelaciones y citas perdidas: Si necesita reprogramar o cancelar su cita, hágalo ingresando a su calendario y siguiendo los enlaces para cancelar o reprogramar. Si falta a tres citas sin avisar previamente a su asesor, ya no tendrá acceso al sistema de programación Acuity. Deberá solicitar una cita enviando un correo electrónico a su asesor, quien determinará la disponibilidad según su horario.
- Por favor no reserve más de un horario para su cita, ya que limita la disponibilidad para otros clientes. "Reservar" múltiples horarios puede resultar en la cancelación de su cita o el bloqueo de su correo electrónico en el sistema de programación Acuity.
Earn a MA in Early Childhood Policy and Leadership at the CUNY School of Professional Studies
As one of the few graduate programs in the U.S. focused specifically on early childhood policy and leadership, this master’s degree equips professionals with the knowledge, skills, and experience they need.
Program highlights
- 100% online MA in Early Childhood Policy and Leadership
- Two graduate certificates embedded in the degree (Early Childhood Policy and CPAC)
- Designed for professionals working in early childhood education, policy, or advocacy
- Taught by leading scholars and practitioners in early childhood and public policy
- Opportunities to connect learning to real-world challenges in NYS, NYC, and beyond
- Can be completed in 2 years (part-time option available)
- If you hold an “Initial” Teacher Certification, the master's degree can be used to meet the graduate-level coursework requirement to attain “Professional” Certification
18 credits of the program are approved for the NYSAEYC CPAC Credential.
What you'll learn
Students explore topics such as:
- Early childhood systems and governance
- Policy development and implementation
- Budgeting and resource management
- Leadership in diverse communities
- Research, data, and evaluation methods
Graduates are prepared to influence the future of early childhood care and education, whether in government, nonprofit, or educational settings.
Career outcomes
Graduates of the MA in Early Childhood Policy and Leadership are qualified for a range of roles, including:
- Policy analyst or advisor
- Education or childcare advocate
- Government or nonprofit program manager
- Director of early childhood initiatives
This master’s program supports pathways to leadership in early childhood education and advocacy for young children and families.
Who should apply
This program is ideal for:
- Early childhood educators, administrators, and site leaders
- Advocates working in policy, social services, or public health
- Professionals from community-based organizations and city agencies
- Individuals with a bachelor’s degree who want to lead change in the early childhood sector
Applicants should have experience in early childhood education or related fields.
Admission criteria
Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Applicants are required to write a personal statement, upload a resume, and provide one letter of recommendation. Letter of recommendation may be submitted before or after submitting an application. Please note that an individual interview may be necessary. Background in early childhood education is an advantage, but not required.
Information sessions
CUNY SPS Early Childhood Graduate Program Info Session
We will also discuss the CPAC Advanced Certificate and Early Childhood Policy Advanced Certificate that can be embedded in the Master’s degree.
Online
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