Become a licensed educator and qualify to teach students from birth through third grade. Southwest Minnesota State University's online Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education program is accredited by the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board.
You can finish your program in two to four years while studying essential topics like child growth and development, early literacy, classroom management, and more. A supervised semester-long student teaching experience is built into the curriculum, so you have the opportunity to apply your studies in real classroom contexts. Students will present their professional portfolio at a final conference at the end of the program.
Graduates of SMSU's early childhood education program meet all requirements for Minnesota Early Childhood Education Licensure upon completion. You will have the knowledge, skills, and experience required to help young children thrive and set them up for lifelong academic success. Possible work settings include private preschool, child care, Head Start, kindergarten, and family education.