Early Childhood Education
Make a Difference in the Formative Years
Some people just know they’re meant to work with children — to be the one that helps children learn those first life skills like forming sounds, learning letters and how to tie their shoes. We’ll help you combine your desire to teach young children with the knowledge and skills it takes to make this a dream career.
College of Saint Mary offers
- an associate’s degree in early childhood education;
- a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education with a special education minor or
- a major in elementary education with an early childhood supplemental endorsement. A conversation with your advisor will help you pick the appropriate degree and endorsement options to match your career goals.
You will learn inside the classroom and immerse yourself in the field with practical and observational experiences in classrooms throughout the community. A key advantage on the College of Saint Mary campus is the ability to teach and observe at the on-campus Spellman Child Development Center.
With your associate’s degree in early childhood education you will be qualified to work in child-care centers, preschools and infant centers. With your bachelor’s degree, you can seek certification from the Nebraska Department of Education. As a teacher, you will be able to apply what you learned to create lesson plans, instruct students and collaborate with parents. Hiring schools select College of Saint Mary graduates because they know they have a depth of experience that is valuable in the classroom. With your bachelor’s degree in hand you’ll be prepared for certification to teach in pre-kindergarten through third-grade classrooms.
Degree Offered:
Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood with a Special Education Minor
Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education
Career Outlook:
The U.S. Department of Labor predicts an 18% growth in demand for preschool teachers by 2030. The national median annual salary for early childhood educators is $31,930. The median annual salary for early childhood education teachers in Nebraska is $37,770.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration
