The early childhood education master's degree program is designed to enhance and broaden the professional skills of teachers who work with children up to eight years old. You may use this program to meet Early Childhood Professional Education License (PEL) requirements or to customize your coursework to fulfill special education approval requirements for teaching exceptional children up to age six. The M.S.Ed. in early childhood education program offers focused study to strengthen and broaden the professional preparation of teachers and other professionals who work with young children, birth through eight years. In addition to the basic requirements, course work will be determined on the basis of the individual candidate's undergraduate preparation, experience, and professional goals. Candidates pursuing this M.S.Ed. may also choose course work to meet Early Childhood Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) requirements to teach children from birth through grade 2 in Illinois public schools. Candidates who meet the PEL requirements will be automatically eligible to receive the Gateways to Opportunity Level 5 Early Childhood Education (ECE) credential. Candidates may also elect course work to fulfill early childhood special education approval requirements for teaching children with disabilities and special needs in pre-kindergarten.