School of Education & Social Sciences · Bachelor’s degree
Early Childhood Education (Birth–Grade 3)
Build the foundation for a lifetime of learning.
The earliest years matter most. MVU’s early childhood education major prepares you to teach children from birth through grade 3, with courses in language development, family and community resources, early literacy, and math, plus practicums and student teaching.
120+
minimum credit hours to graduate
74
credit hours in the major
Birth–Grade 3
Missouri certification
Student teaching
in real classrooms
Why early childhood education
Teach in the years that matter most
Learn how young children grow, play, and learn, and how to support them.
Early development
Study language acquisition, early childhood and early childhood special education, and child psychology.
Families and communities
Learn to work with families and use community resources in early childhood settings.
Hands-on practice
Complete an early childhood practicum, an elementary clinical experience, and student teaching.
Is this program for me?
This program may be a great fit if you want to…
- Teach preschool, kindergarten, or the early grades.
- Support children’s development through play and learning.
- Work closely with families.
- Earn Missouri certification for birth through grade 3.
What will I learn to do?
Skills you’ll practice and grow
- Plan developmentally appropriate curriculum for young children.
- Teach early reading, language arts, and math.
- Support exceptional learners in early childhood.
- Partner with families and community resources.
- Prepare for the Missouri Content Assessment.
How the degree works
Your path to the classroom
Here’s how the degree is built. Your advisor helps you plan each term.
01
General education core
At least 42 credit hours across writing, speaking, math, science, social science, and the humanities.
02
Apply to teacher education
After 30 credit hours, apply to the teacher education program (see the requirements below).
03
Education and content courses
Take education courses, practicums, and clinical experiences, plus your early childhood courses.
04
Student teach and get certified
Student teach, pass the Missouri Content Assessment, and apply for your Missouri certificate.
About certification: MVU’s teacher education programs are approved by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). A degree isn’t a teaching license. After you complete the program and pass the Missouri Content Assessment (MCA) and DESE’s required exit assessment, you apply to Missouri for your certificate. Planning to teach in another state? Check with that state’s education agency.
Explore the curriculum
What you’ll study
Note: EDUC 307, 330, 331, 340, and 350 are taken in the same semester.
Early childhood education courses (74 credit hours)
- EDUC 100 Introduction to Teaching
- EDUC 190 Elementary Practicum I (1 credit)
- EDUC 245 Art, Music, and Movement for the Elementary Teacher
- EDUC 260 Education of the Exceptional Child
- EDUC 262 Family & Community Resources in Early Childhood Education
- EDUC 270 Intro to Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education
- EDUC 273 Language Acquisition and Development (2 credits)
- EDUC 290 Reading Practicum (2 credits)
- EDUC 300 Instructional Methodology
- EDUC 307 Classroom Environment (2 credits)
- EDUC 310 Integration of Technology in the Classroom
- EDUC 311 Educational Psychology
- EDUC 320 Integration of Children’s Literature and Language Arts
- EDUC 330 Methods of Teaching Elementary Mathematics
- EDUC 331 Teaching Reading in the Elementary Schools
- EDUC 334 Diagnosis and Remediation of Reading Difficulties
- EDUC 335 Classroom Assessment (2 credits)
- EDUC 340 Methods of Teaching Elementary Social Studies and Science
- EDUC 350 Elementary Clinical Experience (4 credits)
- EDUC 366 Diagnosis and Remediation of Math Difficulties
- EDUC 369 Early Childhood Organization (1 credit)
- EDUC 371 Curriculum Methods in Early Childhood
- EDUC 392 Early Childhood Practicum
- EDUC 415 Student Teaching Seminar (1 credit)
- EDUC 490 Student Teaching in Elementary Schools (6 credits)
- PHYS 221 Lifetime Wellness (2 credits)
- PSYC 270 Child and Adolescent Psychology
Admission to the teacher education program
- At least 30 credit hours completed
- Passing scores on all sections of the Missouri General Education Assessment (MoGEA)
- A GPA of 3.0 or higher overall, in your content area, and in education courses, and an ACT score of at least 20
- A C or better in ENGL 160, COMM 100, and EDUC 100
- An application to the Education office by March 15 (for fall) or November 15 (for spring)
- A writing sample, plus any required remediation
- Proof of current CPR certification
- See the teacher education handbook for student teaching standards
General education core (at least 42 credit hours)
- Social and behavioral science (9 hours) from at least two subjects, including one constitution course: HIST 104, HIST 105, or POLS 100
- Written communication (6 hours): ENGL 130 Rhetoric and Composition, plus ENGL 160 or HONR 190
- Oral communication (3 hours), such as COMM 100 Public Speaking & Introduction to Communication
- Natural science: 7 hours from at least two subjects, including a lab (BS); 3 hours (BA and BFA)
- Mathematics (3 hours)
- Humanities and fine arts: 9 hours (BS) or 12 hours (BA and BFA) from at least three subjects, covering the arts and creativity, ethics, and culture and society
- Additional general education from any area, to reach at least 42 hours
- Plus one Writing Intensive (WI) course and one Service Learning (SL) course, which can overlap with other requirements
Graduation requirements
- Complete at least 120 credit hours with a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
- Earn a major GPA of 2.0 or higher, with no grade below C and no pass/fail grades in the major.
- Complete at least 36 credit hours of upper-division (300- and 400-level) courses.
- Complete your last 30 credit hours, and at least 12 hours of your major, at MVU.
- Complete the major assessment requirement.
- Apply for graduation and pay the $100 graduation fee.
Getting started
Three steps to begin
Applying to MVU is free, and most students finish the application in a few minutes.
02
Send your transcripts
Send your high school transcript, plus official transcripts from any college or dual credit courses. Transferring? See the transfer steps.
03
Plan how you’ll pay
Explore scholarships, grants, and loans on Tuition & Financial Aid, or request information for current tuition.
Is there a two-year option?
Yes. The Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Studies is a two-year degree. It isn’t a teacher certification program.
When do I apply to the teacher education program?
After you’ve completed at least 30 credit hours and met the admission requirements. Applications are due March 15 for fall and November 15 for spring. See “Admission to the teacher education program” in the curriculum section.
Will I be certified to teach?
The program prepares you for Missouri certification. After you finish, pass the Missouri Content Assessment (MCA) and DESE’s exit assessment, you apply to the state for your certificate.
Can I add a minor or a second major?
Yes. A minor is optional and appears on your transcript; it must be in a different subject than your major. You can also double major by completing all the requirements for both majors. You’ll receive one diploma.
What do I need to graduate?
- At least 120 credit hours with a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
- A C or higher in every major course.
- At least 36 upper-division credit hours.
- Your last 30 credit hours at MVU.
- An application for graduation and the $100 graduation fee.
Talk with the Dean
Have questions about courses, student teaching, or how to plan your degree? Reach out. We’re happy to talk through your goals.
Early Childhood Education (Birth–Grade 3)
