Early Childhood Education (B.S.) - Birth to Eight Specialization
One teacher can help a child believe in herself, remind a child he is bright and creative or inspire a child to chase their dream.
Research shows that quality care and education for young children is critically important, and the demand for qualified teachers of young children is great. This program prepares professionals who work in educational settings with children in order to promote their cognitive, physical, emotional and social development. In addition to being prepared to work in early childhood settings such as Head Start, preschools and child care centers, those who successfully complete this specialization meet the requirements for a South Dakota birth to age eight early childhood teaching certificate which enables them to teach grades K-3. Candidates student teach in the Fishback Center for Early Childhood Education and a first, second or third grade classroom.
- Enjoy working with young children.
- Are interested in being a lifelong learner.
- Are a patient, positive, creative, energetic person.
- Have strong communication skills.
- Are involved in your community.
- K-3 teacher
- Preschool teacher
- Child development specialist
- Child care provider
- Director of early child care program
- South Dakota, Minnesota and Iowa school districts
- Boys and Girls Clubs
- Head Start and Early Head Start
- Bright Horizons Corporate Childcare
- Children’s Museum of South Dakota
- Preschools public and private
- Elementary schools public and private
- Childcare centers
- Head Start and Early Head Start
- Boys and Girls Clubs
- Association for the Education of Young Children - East Central Student Chapter
- South Dakota Education Association – Student Chapter
