Early Childhood Leadership and Advocacy - PhD in Education

In this specialization, students critically review the latest research to understand the complex family, cultural, societal, and developmental influences that affect child development and learning. Included in the coursework are topics such as child development, family partnerships, content knowledge, leadership, advocacy, social change, and professionalism. Through case studies and innovative technology, this program enables students to:

Examine the quality of early childhood programs and policies.
Research and present strategies to promote positive outcomes for young children.
Evaluate the leadership characteristics necessary to be an advocate in the field.

The individual dissertation process enables educators to pursue original research in an effort to promote positive social change for young children, their families, and the early childhood field.

Learning Outcomes

As a graduate of this program, students will be prepared to:

Evaluate practices, programs, and policies in the areas of child development and learning.
Engage in effective leadership practices to advocate for positive outcomes for young children and families.
Evaluate responsible assessment practices to support healthy development and positive learning outcomes for young children.
Demonstrate cultural responsiveness in interactions with children, families, community members, and early childhood professionals.
Integrate professional resources to inform solutions to problems in early childhood.
Synthesize a variety of perspectives to promote professional growth and positive social change in the early childhood field.
Design research to address educational problems and contribute to the profession.
Demonstrate the ability to conduct research that positively impacts social change.

Curriculum

Foundation Course (5 cr.)

Core Course (5 cr.)

EDPD 8005 - Diffusion of Technological Innovations in the Workplace

Specialization Courses (30 cr.)

Doctoral Support Courses (6 cr.)

Core Research Sequence (15 cr.)

Courses composing the core research sequence are conducted online and require weekly readings, participation in discussions, and assignment completion. Course instructors guide discussions and evaluate discussion and application assignments. RSCH 8100 or 8110 must be completed prior to Residency 2 of the academic residencies. RSCH 8200 or 8210 and RSCH 8300 or 8310 must be completed prior to beginning the dissertation or attending Residency 3.

Advanced Research Course (5 cr.)

Those enrolled in this specialization are required to complete an advanced research course. The university offers three advanced research courses: quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods. When the prospectus is approved, students will take the advanced research course selected as the methodology approved for the dissertation.

Students are required to complete one of the following courses:

Dissertation (20 cr.)

EDPD 8990 - Completing the Dissertation

Course Sequence

Quarter	Course	Credits
1	EDPD 8002 - Leading the Future of Education♦ OR EDPD 8006 - Leading the Future of Education♦ (6 weeks)	5 cr.
2	EDPD 8080 - Child Development in the Critical Early Years♦	5 cr.
2	EDPD 8081 - The Language/Literacy Continuum From Birth Through Age 8♦	5 cr.
3	RSCH 8100 - Research Theory, Design, and Methods OR RSCH 8110 - Research Theory, Design, and Methods♦	5 cr.
3	EDPD 8082 - Meaningful Learning Experiences in Supportive Environments♦	5 cr.
4	EDPD 8083 - Evaluating and Leading Effective Early Childhood Programs	5 cr.
4	EDPD 8003 - Tools for Doctoral Research Success	2 cr.
5	RSCH 8200 - Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis OR RSCH 8210 - Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis♦	5 cr.
5	EDPD 8005 - Diffusion of Technological Innovations in the Workplace	5 cr.
6	EDPD 8084 - Early Childhood Advocacy, Policy Development, and Positive Social Change	5 cr.
6	EDPD 8004 - Demystifying Doctoral Writing for Research	2 cr.
7	RSCH 8300 - Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis OR RSCH 8310 - Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis♦	5 cr.
7	EDPD 8085 - Early Childhood Research Methodology	5 cr.
8	EDPD 8900 - Completing the Prospectus	2 cr.
8	RSCH 8260 - Advanced Quantitative Reasoning and Analysis OR RSCH 8360 - Advanced Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis OR RSCH 8460 - Advanced Mixed-Methods Reasoning and Analysis	5 cr.
9–12	EDPD 8990 - Completing the Dissertation	5 cr. each for 20 cr.

Students will be registered for two courses every 11 weeks, following the completion of your foundation course. Students who wish to reduce their course load during one or more terms should contact their academic advisor.

Note on Certification

This program is not intended to lead to teacher certification. Teachers are advised to contact their individual school districts as to whether this program may qualify for salary advancement.