MAT IECE program more affordable through PEEAK funding

Students in MSU's Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education (IECE) program are encouraged to apply for grant money now available through Preparing Early Educators in Appalachian Kentucky (PEEAK).

PEEAK is a five-year personnel preparation grant running 2015-2019 and is funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services. The purpose of the grant is to prepare highly qualified early childhood special educators and early interventionists to serve in high need areas across Kentucky.

More than 30 students will be funded for the MAT IECE over five years. Funding includes:

• Tuition for coursework
• Book stipend (up to $300 per year)
• Travel stipend (up to $400 per year)

There is a service obligation associated with the grant funding. For every academic year of funding provided under PEEAK, scholars are required to provide the full-time equivalent of two years of service.

The MAT IECE program prepares students with or without prior teacher preparation to work with young children from birth through kindergarten. The program leads to teacher certification and a master's degree. Graduates of the program pursue work as public preschool and kindergarten teachers or as developmental interventionists.

To learn more about the MAT IECE program at MSU and PEEAK grant funding opportunities visit www.moreheadstate.edu/MAT-IECE/.