Early Childhood Program

Join the Missouri S&T early childhood education program! Our STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics)-focused program provides students with diverse and challenging opportunities to develop their teaching skills. Students learn from experienced instructors, collaborate with fellow pre-service teachers, and observe in our on campus Child Development Center throughout the program.

Degree

As a graduate of S&T’s early childhood education program, you’ll earn a Bachelor of Science in Education with an early childhood emphasis and will be certified to teach birth through third grade.

This program is approved by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Students intending to teach in other states are responsible for investigating the reciprocity agreement of that state agency.

Education BS - Early Childhood Emphasis Advisement Sheet

Program Highlights and Opportunities

Students in our program receive:

150+ hours in the classroom before student teaching
STEAM-focused instruction
Project Lead The Way (PLTW) training
STEM Center field trip teaching opportunities
Opportunities to work with children and families at the S&T Child Development Center
Access to the Regional Professional Development Center's workshops

Professional Standing and Curriculum

Students in our program are expected to:

Maintain a 3.0 Professional Requirement GPA
Complete the required curriculum and corresponding observation hours
Have a 20 on the ACT, a passing score on the Missouri paraprofessional test, or a passing score on the Missouri General Education Assessment (MoGEA).
Register with Family Care Safety Registry
Complete a professional interview
Pass the Early Childhood Education exam (MoCA) to be eligible for student teaching

Student Teaching

In the last semester of our program, students complete a semester-long student teaching practicum with a cooperating teacher. Students may choose their student teaching placement so long as the district agrees and a qualified cooperating teacher is available.

Missouri S&T expects each student to complete experiential learning activities; the field experience courses EDUC 1104, 1164, 3298, and 4299 meet this requirement for the B.S. in Education.

*Please visit our certificates page if you are interested in an Undergraduate Certificate in Education of Young Children. This certificate adds specialized knowledge of early childhood to existing programs such as elementary teacher certification and psychological sciences. Individuals seeking to manage or work in preschools, daycares, or other educational settings with young children would benefit from this certificate.

Scholarships

Do you currently work in a child care center? Many scholarships are available including T.E.A.C.H. Missouri scholarships for you to finish your degree in early childhood!