Build a strong foundation in child development and early childhood teaching methods. Take courses in cognitive development, social and emotional learning, and education of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with disabilities. Depending on your career goals, choose one of two tracks to either prepare you to become a licensed early childhood teacher or to work in settings like early learning centers or organizations where a teaching license is not required.
Track 1 - Foundations of education:
Start on the path to become a licensed educator for ages birth to 3rd grade. Earn a bachelors degree, a Minnesota teaching license, and a masters degree in early childhood education in just five years. Upon graduation, you'll be prepared to enter a licensure program. Choose to pursue an initial license in early childhood (birth to 3rd grade), early childhood with an additional license in elementary education (K-6th grade), or an initial license in early childhood special education (birth to age 6), or a license in parent education.
Visit teach.umn.edu for a comprehensive overview of teacher education at the University of Minnesota and the industry-driven method we use to educate and train future leaders in the teaching field.
Track 2 - Individualized studies:
In addition to your general courses, choose a supporting area of study, such as advanced coursework in business, child psychology, English as a Second Language, family social science, leadership, and public policy. This track is also excellent preparation for graduate study.
