Early Childhood Education
According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children, “Early childhood educators shape the future every day.”
The Early Childhood Education Program prepares teachers to work effectively with children from birth through third grade.
This program focuses on teaching methods that are supported by research, strong partnerships with families and communities, and instruction that respects and values different cultures. These approaches help ensure that all children have access to high-quality education.
Based on current research and professional standards, the program helps future teachers build the knowledge, skills, and professional attitudes needed to assess children’s needs, plan lessons, provide instruction, and evaluate learning. The goal is to support children’s academic success, positive behavior, and social-emotional development.
Post-baccalaureate students meet the same program requirements as undergraduates but may take some coursework at the graduate level which can lead to the Master of Arts in Education.
Early Childhood Education
According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children, “Early childhood educators shape the future every day.”
The Early Childhood Education Program prepares teachers to work effectively with children from birth through third grade.
This program focuses on teaching methods that are supported by research, strong partnerships with families and communities, and instruction that respects and values different cultures. These approaches help ensure that all children have access to high-quality education.
Based on current research and professional standards, the program helps future teachers build the knowledge, skills, and professional attitudes needed to assess children’s needs, plan lessons, provide instruction, and evaluate learning. The goal is to support children’s academic success, positive behavior, and social-emotional development.
Post-baccalaureate students meet the same program requirements as undergraduates but may take some coursework at the graduate level which can lead to the Master of Arts in Education.
Program outcomes are based on the Ten Wisconsin Teacher Standards, and the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC) Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators
Graduates of the Early Childhood Education Program will be able to:
- Use knowledge of the multidimensional nature of how children from birth to age 8 grow and develop to make informed, research-based decisions.
- Understand and value the diversity of family characteristics, build respectful, responsive relationships with them, and use community resources to support children's learning and family needs. Help connect early learning settings, schools, and community organizations.
- Use observation, documentation, screening, and assessment in ethical and appropriate ways that respect each child's development, culture, abilities, and language. Use this information to plan learning, track progress, and support positive outcomes for every child.
- Use a wide range of teaching strategies that are developmentally appropriate, culturally and linguistically responsive, anti-bias, and research based. Adjust your teaching to meet each child's needs and learning path within positive, caring and supportive relationships.
- Understand the key ideas, methods, and structures of each subject area, how young children learn in each subject, and how learning develops over time. Use this knowledge to plan and adapt lessons and curriculum, so learning is engaging, challenging, and meaningful for each child.
- Follow ethical and professional guidelines for early childhood educators. Advocate for children, their families, and the profession. Regularly reflect on practice and continue learning and working collaboratively with others.
Foundational Education Courses
- PSY 214 Developmental Psychology
- EDU 210 Foundations of Education (job shadow)
- EDU 245 Culturally Competent Teaching in a Diverse Society
- EDU 312 Teaching and Learning + Clinical Experience
- EDU 330 Teaching Mathematics + Clinical Experience
- EDU 332 Curriculum, Instruction, & Assessment for ESL
- EDU 355 Teaching Elementary/Middle School Science
- EDU 356 Teaching Elementary/Middle School Social Studies
- EDU 365 PreKindergarten/Kindergarten Education (fieldwork)
- EDU 401 Student Teaching Seminar
- EDU 405 Exceptional Learners
- EDU 411 Teaching Literacy in Early Childhood Classrooms (fieldwork)
- EDU 456 Relationships with Families
- EDU 470 Integrating the Arts
Content Courses
- BIO 216 Environmental Science or BIO 220 Contemporary Environmental Issues
- COM 105 Professional Presentations
- HIS 153 United States History Part I or HIS 154 United States History Part II
- HIS 383 People and the Planet
- MAT 201 Mathematics for Early Childhood/Elementary/Middle School
- MAT 202 Mathematics for Early Childhood/Elementary/Middle School II
- POS 213 American Government
Clinical Courses
- EDU 210 Foundations of Education (job shadowing)
- EDU 300 Teaching Literacy in Elementary and Middle School Classrooms (fieldwork)
- EDU 312P Clinical in Teaching and Learning (EC/EL/MS)
- EDU 330P Clinical in Teaching Mathematics
- EDU 365 PreKindergarten/Kindergarten Education (fieldwork)
- EDU 411 Teaching Literacy in Early Childhood Classrooms (fieldwork)
- EDU 490 Student Teaching in Early Childhood
Debra Dosemagen, Ph.D.
Professor, Department Chair and Graduate Program Director
Phone: (414) 930-3160
Email: dosemagd@mtmary.edu
Expertise: Mathematics education, teacher research
Vanessa Varela, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Phone: (414) 930-3105
Email: varelav@mtmary.edu
Expertise: Second Language Acquisition and Social Justice, Multilingual Learners, Multicultural Children's Literature
Heather Holst, Ed.D.
Assistant Professor
Phone: (414) 930-3199
Email: holsth@mtmary.edu
Special Education, Elementary Education, Educational Assessment
My first week teaching Second Grade was a whirlwind, but I absolutely love it! I have so much support from my team and our instructional coach, and my mentor. The kids are so sweet! Mount Mary thoroughly prepared me for my career and is 100% responsible for connecting me with my current school district. Couldn’t be more grateful!
Second Grade Teacher
My first week teaching Second Grade was a whirlwind, but I absolutely love it! I have so much support from my team and our instructional coach, and my mentor. The kids are so sweet! Mount Mary thoroughly prepared me for my career and is 100% responsible for connecting me with my current school district. Couldn’t be more grateful!
Second Grade Teacher
YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE
Ready to do more than earn a degree? At Mount Mary, you'll gain the confidence and skills to create a meaningful life and drive real change. Take the first step—apply today and start shaping your future with purpose!
FINANCIAL AID
Worried about tuition costs? Financial aid is simpler than you think and within reach! Mount Mary a variety of scholarships available for students with additional opportunities for state and federal assistance. Take the first step today!