Reading and enriched learning are significantly more important factors in early childhood development than the timing of when youngsters start kindergarten, according to Marie Masterson, PhD, an assistant professor at the U.S. News & World Report-ranked Dominican University in River Forest, Ill.

Masterson, an early childhood expert, recently discussed the concept of “academic redshirting,” in which parents delay enrolling their children in kindergarten in the belief that it will boost academic and social readiness.

"None of that matters if the child doesn't have access to high quality, developmentally appropriate education," Masterson told Raycom News Network.

Dominican’s top-tier Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) degree programs provide teachers with the skills required to lead innovative and enriching classrooms that foster academic success. That tradition of excellence is available in a flexible and convenient 100% online format, with three programs: MAEd in Reading, Elementary Education and  English as a Second Language.

“Through our 100% online programs, working teachers can benefit from the expertise of our nationally respected faculty and boost their professional credentials while balancing their own busy schedules,” said Colleen Reardon, EdD, Dean of the School of Education.

Dominican University's video-based e-learning platform is powered by University Alliance technology and features discussion boards, online chat rooms, and downloadable and streaming lectures.

For more details on how Dominican University can meet teaching professionals’ continuing education needs, call toll-free 1-800-441-5408 or visit www.dominicanu.com.

About Dominican University

Founded in 1901, Dominican University is located ten miles west of downtown Chicago.  The Catholic university consistently ranks in the top 20 regional universities in the Midwest, according to U.S. News & World Report– which also repeatedly cited Dominican as a best value in higher education. The university is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools as a baccalaureate and master’s degree granting institution.

About University Alliance

University Alliance (UA) is a leader in facilitating the online delivery of associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees as well as professional certificate programs from the nation’s leading traditional universities and institutions. Universities powered by UA’s technology and support services have surpassed 450,000 online enrollments – making UA one of the largest facilitators of e-learning in the country. Universities that collaborate with UA include Villanova University, the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business, Florida Institute of Technology, Michigan State University, University of Florida, University of South Florida, Valparaiso University, New England College, University of St. Thomas, University of San Francisco, Jacksonville University, University of Vermont, The University of Scranton, and Dominican University.