Minnesota State University-Moorhead

In your first two years, you'll take early-entry education courses along with liberal arts classes to meet university requirements. Starting in your third year, you'll dive into teaching methods courses, leading up to a student teaching experience in your final year.

The early childhood education curriculum is designed to be flexible—you can take classes in person or online at your own pace. Just keep in mind that some liberal arts courses may only be offered in person or through live (synchronous) online sessions.

As an early childhood education major, you’ll complete several practicum experiences, many starting as early as your first semester. These hands-on placements include time in infant/toddler and preschool classrooms, as well as in kindergarten or the primary grades (a.k.a. grades 1-3), giving you a well-rounded foundation in early childhood teaching.

Because we live in a diverse world, you’ll be prepared to teach young children from all kinds of backgrounds, including those living in poverty and from different races, cultures and languages. You’ll also learn how to work closely with their families, building strong partnerships that support each child’s success.

During each practicum, a university supervisor will be there to guide you in planning lessons, teaching and assessing the children in your classroom. They will give you feedback to help you get better and grow as a teacher.