The Early Childhood Emerging Leaders program includes an emphasis in Early Childhood Leadership within the MEd in Early and Special Education. The focus in this program is on early childhood education, leadership in the field, and applied action research.
This program focuses on supporting emerging leaders in early childhood education to obtain a Master of Education degree with full tuition support through Idaho STARS over a three year period. This program is part of a partnership to support the next generation of leaders in early childhood care and education in Idaho. With a goal of building a network of support throughout the state, this program has a competitive admission process with the intent of selecting educators with the potential to engage in leadership at a high level.
The Master of Education in Early and Special Education program is 100% online.
Department Name: Department of Early and Special Education
Official Degree Name: Master of Education in Early and Special Education
Degree Type: Master of Education
What can I do with this degree?
Graduates of this program may be employed as early childhood educators or directors in early learning settings that do not require a teaching license. This includes some private schools and early learning centers, as well as home-based programs and child care centers. Teachers with this degree can work with learners of all abilities in these settings.
Program Information
Admission Requirements
Individuals interested in the Emerging Leaders program with scholarship support must submit applications to both Boise State University and to Idaho STARS. The application deadline is March 1st to begin the program in Fall. The following outlines specific requirements for each institution:
Boise State MEd Admission Requirements
- Baccalaureate degree (in any field) with 3.00 GPA
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- Program Agreements: 1) Commit to three years in the program with fall and spring coursework, including seminars and action research, 2) Commit to engage in early childhood leadership in Idaho both during the program and upon completion
- A 1-2 page letter of application describing the following: (a) why you are interested in this program, (b) what experience and/or interest you have in leadership in early childhood education, (c) a brief description of your personal goals and your goals for early childhood education in Idaho, and (d) an explanation of why you believe you are a strong candidate for the program. At the top of your letter of application, please note in bold font that you are applying for the Emerging Leaders in Early Childhood Education program.
- Professional resume (please upload in the designated “writing sample” space in the application system)
- Two letters of recommendation that speak to your potential for success in the program and as a leader in early childhood education in Idaho
Idaho STARS Emerging Leaders Scholarship Requirements
Read about the application requirements for the Emerging Leaders Master’s Degree Scholarship through Idaho STARS on their website:
Idaho STARS Academic Scholarships
Please contact academicscholarships@idahoaeyc.org with questions about the scholarship, including questions about eligibility or the scholarship application form.
Competitive Application and Admission Process
Admission to the Early Childhood Emerging Leaders Program is highly competitive. With a very small number of available spots each year, only about 30-35% of individuals who apply are granted admission.
The Early Childhood Emerging Leaders program is a pathway through the MEd in Early and Special Education that includes an emphasis in Early Childhood Leadership. Applicants who are not selected for the Early Childhood Emerging Leaders program will still be considered for admission to the MEd in Early and Special Education without an emphasis. The MEd program without an emphasis does still allow students to focus their studies on early childhood education and, while students in the MEd without an emphasis will not be able to take advantage of the Emerging Leaders Master’s Degree Scholarship, they may be eligible for other academic scholarship opportunities through IdahoSTARS. Email academicscholarships@idahoaeyc.org to inquire about the specific opportunities which may be available to you.
After all applications are reviewed and program interviews are conducted for the Early Childhood Emerging Leaders program (typically in late March to early April), you will receive notification of one of the following admission decisions: a) admission to the Early Childhood Emerging Leaders Program, b) admission to the MEd in Early and Special Education without an emphasis, or c) no program admission. If you are admitted to the Early Childhood Emerging Leaders program or to the MEd in Early and Special Education without an emphasis, you will have the opportunity to accept or decline your admission.
Learn More
For questions or additional information about the Emerging Leaders Program please contact julipool@boisestate.edu.