The Master of Arts in Child Study and Education Program is offered at the Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study, a centre of professional teacher training and research in childhood and education, which includes a Nursery through Grade 6 Laboratory School. The aim is to prepare students for careers as thoughtful, compassionate, and equitable educators who apply research and theory in Child Study to meet the needs of diverse learners and schools.

The philosophy of this program is based on the belief that successful teaching requires an understanding of how children's capacities, concerns, and behaviour change with age, how individual differences intersect with developmental changes, and how social, cultural, and physical environments influence children's development.

Bridging theory and practice, the program includes a range of practicum teaching experiences in Toronto elementary schools along with academic coursework. It introduces students to educational and developmental theory and research relevant to educational settings, showing how this research can inform classroom practice. Objective approaches to studying children, using both practical assessment techniques and formal methods of inquiry are combined with knowledge of effective learning environments and teaching methods such as inquiry-based approaches.

Our non-thesis program requires two years of full-time study leading to a Master of Arts degree. Graduates are recommended to the Ontario College of Teachers for a Certificate of Qualification, which qualifies the holder to teach in the primary and junior divisions of Ontario schools (Junior Kindergarten to Grade 6). Research is embedded throughout the program with opportunities for deeper research involvement.

This program includes one field: Practice-Based Inquiry (PBI) in Psychology and Educational Practice field.