Early Childhood Education with Licensure Bachelor of Science | COLLEGE FOR ADULTS About the program
Optional Montessori credential
Are you interested in changing the lives of young children?
You have the option of completing an additional practicum to meet requirements for a Montessori early childhood (3–6 years) credential.
Enroll in the early childhood education bachelor’s degree program from St. Kate’s College for Adults, where you will study online and launch a new career. This program prepares graduates for licensure to teach children from birth to eight years old. This program’s mission is to develop socially aware, critically informed, and innovative teachers from diverse backgrounds who effectively teach using a holistic, anti-bias, anti-racist approach influenced by Montessori philosophy.
What can I do with a degree in early childhood education? You will be prepared to work in public and private schools, early childhood education centers, and other organizations as an early childhood educator. With the expansion of early childhood programs, demand for early childhood educators is expected to grow.
What will I study? Our program focuses on personal, social, and institutional transformation. You will be mentored and supported by experienced early childhood and Montessori faculty who have a passion for working with adult students and preparing the next generation of educators. You will: • • • • • • •
Become a socially aware, critically informed, and innovative educator Learn in a supportive environment that nurtures mind, body, and spirit Focus on social justice — build skills in antibias and anti-racist (ABAR) teaching strategies Ground your teaching in Montessori methods, with a focus on the whole child Meet the needs of diverse learners Develop an understanding of ways to integrate technology into teaching and learning Develop awareness and skills for leadership, communication, ethics, and social justice
Fieldwork experiences Hands-on learning includes 100 hours of field experience throughout the program. You’ll also complete a final student teaching experience — a full-time immersion in teaching at a school in or near your community.
Class scheduling / time to completion You will take fully online courses in fall, January, and spring terms; in summer, you will take methods courses. For each methods course, you will participate in hybrid summer courses with one week of intensive face-to-face meetings on the St. Paul campus, and the remaining five weeks of the course online. The early childhood education major may be completed in 3+ years. You may take longer to complete liberal arts and elective courses.
Admission Process To be eligible to begin Early Childhood Major courses 2200 and above, you must have: • •
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Completed ECED 1000 and ECED 2040 with a grade of “C” or better Completed the ECE Program Application during ECED 2040 (includes entrance survey, essay, and resume) Earned a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher Met with your academic advisor to create a program of study
Program Accreditation This St. Catherine's teaching program is approved by the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB). The program fulfills requirements for teacher certification or licensure in most states.