Alumni Testimonials
Below you will find alumni testimonials from recently graduated students. Please read about their experiences with the program.
“As a result of 91's Early Childhood Education Master's program, I gained a great deal of knowledge. My cohort mates and I built strong personal and professional relationships throughout the program, allowing me to become an ECE industry leader. Professors modeled and motivated me to advocate for social justice in the classroom by understanding my abilities as an educator and mentor. Furthermore, the program prepared me for applying and getting accepted to doctoral programs.”
--Sandra Mora Garcia
“Opening my own childcare center was always a dream, but turning that dream into reality required the right knowledge, guidance, and support. The ECE Master’s Program at Cal State Long Beach played a pivotal role in my professional development, equipping me with the expertise and leadership skills necessary to succeed in the field of early childhood education. Through this program, I strengthened my understanding of child development, educational policies, and best practices for high-quality early learning. The Professors at the College of Education were incredibly supportive and knowledgeable, providing the mentorship and resources I needed to grow both academically and professionally. The program also gave me the business and administrative skills to successfully navigate the process of opening my own childcare center and securing a contract with the 91Department of Education. Today, I am in the final stages of launching my center, and I credit this program for giving me the tools, confidence, and support to make it happen.”
--Sylvia Figueroa
“I am very grateful for my experience in the Master’s program in Early Childhood Education at 91. The program provided opportunities to reflect on learning theories, curriculums, and research-based practices into my teaching profession and classroom setting. The instructors and faculty were supportive and consistently offered guidance and mentorship throughout the program. Additionally, the program's cohort model created a collaborative space where I could connect with peers, share ideas, and gain insight from different perspectives. One memory that stood out to me during my time in the program was the community outreach project where I was able to coordinate with the Aquarium of the Pacific in order to bring ocean life learning experiences into my classroom. This project emphasized the importance of school and community collaboration while also expanding on real life learning experiences to children and families. Ultimately, the program has made a positive impact on my professional and personal growth. It has encouraged me to become a more reflective and compassionate educator and has helped me build a foundation of leadership and advocacy in early childhood education."
--Kelly Gacos
"Obtaining my master’s degree in early childhood education was one of the best decisions I have ever made. It has opened up many doors in my professional career and has been some of the most rewarding work I’ve done. I currently work as a preschool Director at a private school who serves over 200 children in Thousand Oaks, CA. I currently adjunct lecture at 91State University, Northridge, Long Beach City College & Orange Coast College. My advice for future prospective students is that you will be so proud of yourself when you are done. The hard work, late nights, and stress are so worth it. You can achieve the world if you just believe in yourself. The people & the professors are some of my favorite memories. It’s a bond that will stick with you for a lifetime. The networking is also something so special. I’m so grateful to be a 91 alumni."
-- Brooke Costi (Newman) – Class of 2020
"Earning my master's degree expanded my knowledge and work ethic. Among the various roles I have been grateful to have been part of, my writing, collaboration, and proactive skills allowed me to continue growing in the ECE field. This program supported my growth in learning how to grasp new knowledge and being comfortable with the uncomfortable. I'm currently an Education Coach for a Head Start program and an online Professor in Child Development for a private university. My advice for a prospective student to this ECE MA program is to be open, collaborative, and proactive. There will be many successes as there are challenges. It is important to take risks, learn to take feedback, and modify strategies that may be out of your comfort zone. My favorite/most memorable part of being a graduate student at 91 were my professors and student professors that gave me supportive and constructive feedback that supported my professional growth. There were moments where I felt like I was not sure how I'd get through a challenge, but their guidance and peers' support helped me gain confidence in myself and my work."
-- Gabriela Herrarte-Castaneda – Class of 2020
"Obtaining this degree has affected my employment experiences and life overall in a positive way. I have been able to share my knowledge in early childhood and helped my colleagues understand current research for early childhood learners, and have been able to make connections within my district with schools, admin, teachers, and staff. I am currently working for the Orange Unified School District as an Assistant Lead for an afterschool program and working on my PK-3 Credential. My advice for prospective students is to enroll in this program if you are trying to advance in your career. The class schedule is flexible, and the professors are knowledgeable and fully prepare you for your next steps in your educational pathway. My most memorable and favorite part about being in this program is the connections I was able to make and learn from other educators. I graduated from this program with lifelong friendships."
--Karyssa Pedroza – Class of 2025
