Early Childhood Education

The Minot State University Early Childhood Education program provides candidates with an educational experience that focuses on current cognitive science research* to prepare teachers who demonstrate reflective decision-making and the ability to integrate knowledge of content, students, and the contexts in which we learn. The program’s objectives prepare educational professionals with:

• knowledge of content, and knowledge of cognitive and developmental sciences,        
• performance skills, and
• professional dispositions toward the children, curriculum, 
• and reasons they teach.

The mission of the Early Childhood Teacher Education program incorporates the University mission to advance knowledge, as well as critical and creative thinking skills of the Early Childhood Education majors, that will allow candidates to work successfully with:

• varied children,  
• in changing classroom environments,        
• within a global community.       

* Cognitive Science is defined here as a multi-disciplinary field of study, which includes what we know about observed individual and social behaviors, mental representations and thinking processes (mind), biophysical structures, functions and mechanisms of learning (brain), and how human beings change over time as they develop in all quadrants: cognitive, social, emotional and physical growth (education).

There are two degree programs available in early childhood.  The BSEd degree is a licensure degree and prepares candidates to teach in programs serving children age Birth - 3rd grade. The BS degree is a non-licensure degree and prepares candidates to teach in settings in which licensure is not required (preschools and Headstart programs for example). The Student Learning Goals and Student Learning Outcomes are the same for both programs as both programs are focused on preparing educators.

Bachelor of Science in Education with a Major in Early Childhood Education

Refer to Teacher Education Policies and Procedures.

Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education

 Required Special Education Concentration

Early Childhood Education Concentration

The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Concentration provides students with a strong foundation in child development, effective teaching methods, and leadership in early learning environments. This concentration can be applied toward both the Associate of Arts (A.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees, making it an excellent choice for students at various stages of their academic and professional journeys. Whether pursuing an entry-level position in early childhood settings or preparing for advanced roles in education and administration, students will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to support young children's development and learning.

By completing this concentration, students will be well-equipped for careers in early childhood education, including preschool teaching, childcare administration, and family support services. The flexible application of this concentration to both A.A. and B.S. degrees allows students to tailor their educational path to their professional goals, whether they are entering the workforce or continuing their studies.