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A Degree in Early Childhood Education

Early Childhood Education (PK-3)

Early Childhood Education: Endorsement for Grades PK-3

Get ready to be a teacher of young ages with the early childhood education degree endorsement. You’ll develop the tools and mindset you need to guide and care for children from preschool age to the third grade. With an early childhood education degree, you’ll be able to teach elementary or even preschool. You’ll be an excellent candidate to work in a preschool, day care, or other facility that cares for and educates young children. With a long-standing, excellent reputation for our education programs, Wayne State is the perfect place to begin your career in early education education.

Sample Program of Study

early childhood education degree fact sheet

 

 


best college for early childhood education degree - 100% employement rate

Percent of recent WSC graduates employed or in graduate school
based on the most recent graduate survey

Fast Facts

Degrees offered: B.A. or B.S. in elementary education with a supplemental endorsement in early childhood education for grades PK-3. This endorsement must be taken in conjunction with the elementary education K-6 field endorsement. These can be your only endorsements.


Hours required:
PK-3 endorsement: 18
Elementary education endorsement: 41
Education core: 32
General education: 30
To graduate from WSC: 120 hours minimum (education programs may require more)


Popular pairings: Elementary Education (K-6), Special Education Generalist (K-6), Coaching (7-12), English as a Second Language (PK-12)


School: Education and Behavioral Sciences


Department: Educational Foundations and Leadership


Accreditation: Council of Accreditation for Educator Preparation (CAEP), Nebraska Department of Education


Licensing and Certification: Wayne State academic programs are designed to prepare students for licensure or certification in Nebraska. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Nebraska, please check that state's licensing board to determine their licensing requirements. Authorization may be required from them prior to beginning a clinical or field experience in that state. Learn more.

Nationally Ranked Programs

Education degrees at Wayne State are nationally ranked and recognized for academic excellence, incredible value, successful graduates, and innovative learning.

Best Curriculum and Instruction Master's Degree Schools, 2023 - College Factual

A "Top 50" School in the U.S.

Most Focused Curriculum & Instruction Master's Degree, 2023

College Factual

Best Master's Program in School Administration, 2023

No. 1 in Nebraska, No. 9 in the U.S.

Best College for School Administration/Principalship, 2023

College Factual

Best Master's in Education Administration 2023, Intelligent.com

No. 11 in the U.S.

Best Online Master's in Education Administration, 2023

Intelligent.com

Colleges of Distinction, 2023

Recognized for Excellence

Best Colleges of Distinction, 2022-23

Colleges of Distinction

Most Affordable Early Childhood Degree 2020

No. 4 in the U.S.

Most Affordable Early Childhood Degree, 2020-21

College Affordability Guide

Most Focused Education Degrees 2019 - College Factual

No. 15 in the U.S.; Top 5%

Most Focused Education Degree Programs, 2019

College Factual

Most Focused Special Education Degree, 2019 - College Factual

No. 23 in the U.S.; Top 10%

Most Focused Special Education Degree Program, 2019

College Factual

Our Focus is Results

Wayne State has the keys to your success and offers just what you need to become well prepared for the real world with an early childhood degree.

Skills

Skills Learned

  • Teaching and instruction methods
  • Social, emotional, and behavioral development in children
  • Classroom management and organization
  • Practices for children with exceptionalities
  • Diverse family systems and parent relationships
  • Consulting and collaborating
  • Monitoring and assessment
  • Leadership and supervision
  • Active listening
  • Time management
  • Communication
  • Critical thinking and problem solving

 

Careers

Possible Careers

  • Preschool teacher
  • Preschool director
  • Elementary school teacher
  • Special education teacher
  • Learning coach
  • After-school program manager
  • Youth worker
  • In-home tutor
  • Guidance counselor
  • Educational consultant
  • Youth worker

Employers

Employers

  • Preschools
  • Public schools
  • Private schools
  • Community programs
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Child development services
  • Education / learning facilities
  • Instructional software companies
  • Government programs
  • Youth programs

 

Education Scholarships and Aid

In addition to having the region’s most affordable tuition, we offer thousands of dollars in scholarships every year. Learn more about scholarships and financial aid for the early childhood education degree program.
 

Learn From the Best

Our faculty are accomplished, with 92% of our full-time faculty having the highest degree in their field. Several are highly regarded as experts and have been recognized with notable honors and awards. And with a low student-to-faculty ratio, you'll be sure to receive an excellent education while earning your early childhood education degree.

Outside the Classroom

At Wayne State College, you’ll have opportunities to enhance your early childhood education degree by participating in clubs, organizations, internships, and more.

WSC Service Learning

Service-Learning

Make a difference in the community while learning skills you can apply toward your future career. Wayne State’s Service-Learning program has received national awards in recognition of outstanding community service, with more than 400 students participating in Service-Learning projects each semester.

 

Student Activities for early childhood education majors

Opportunities

student teaching for early childhood education majors

Clinical Practice

Before graduating with your degree to teach early childhood ages, you will complete a semester of clinical practice in a school district chosen with the help of your advisor. During this semester, you will work closely with an experienced teacher to gain classroom teaching experience. Internships are not required as part of this program; however, Career Services is available to help students find employment opportunities.

Take the Next Step

Take the Next Step