Early Childhood Education Curriculum
Degrees Offered
There are currently two distinct degrees offered in Early Childhood education at SKC:
- Early Childhood Education (Birth to age 8)
The mission of the Early Childhood Education Program is to graduate teacher candidates who demonstrate competency in professional knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values concerning: child development and the learning process; curriculum development and implementation; family and community relationships; assessment; and professionalism in order to effectively teach young children while involving the child’s family and community.
Successful completion of specific coursework in the early childhood program can lead to a Specialized Permissive Competency in Early Childhood Education for those seeking Elementary licensure in Montana. This program is accredited by the Montana Board of Public Education.
Candidates who graduate with an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education are qualified to teach in programs for young children including Early Head Start, Head Start, childcare centers, family childcare homes, and in public schools as paraprofessionals. A.A. graduates often continue on to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education preparing them to be professionals in the early childhood education field in such positions as lead educator, director or manager, and adult educator or trainer.
After meeting specified requirements as outlined in the Education Division Student Handbook, candidates may enroll in the Early Childhood Teacher Education Program (ECTEP) for third and fourth year courses.
To learn more about this degree program, including its courses, sequence, requirements, and more, visit SKC’s Online Catalog / ECE Program
- Early Childhood Education: P-3 (Preschool to Grade 3)
-
-
- The function of the Early Childhood Education: P-3 Program is to prepare and graduate teacher candidates who demonstrate professional competencies in teaching Preschool to Grade 3 students. This program was developed to meet the critical need for Highly Qualified Teachers who are licensed to teach in the early grades (age 3 to grade 3). The program’s design and framework are built upon the standards from the National Association for the Education of Young Children, the InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards for teacher preparation, and the Montana Professional Preparation Program Standards (PEPPS, 2015). Key features of the program include an emphasis on culturally responsive education and multiple opportunities for practicum experiences in which teacher candidates participate in observing, teaching, and reflecting upon these experiences with young students. Graduates will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the content required for teaching early grades, as well as a strong foundation in child development and family/community engagement.
-
To learn more about this degree program, including its courses, sequence, requirements, and more, visit SKC’s Online Catalog / ECE:P-3 Program
Want to know more? Contact our Early Childhood Education Department:
Manda Davis – Co-Chair, Early Childhood Education
(406) 275-4771 manda_davis@skc.edu
Leigh Ann Courville – Co-Chair, Early Childhood Education
(406) 275-4770 leighann_courville@skc.edu