Early Childhood Education

The Early Childhood Education major at Bemidji State University leads to a bachelor's degree and teacher licensure. Graduates are qualified to teach infants, toddlers, pre-schoolers, and children enrolled in kindergarten and grades one through three. In addition to teaching in public schools graduates are qualified to teach in Head Start programs, Early Childhood Family Education programs, child care centers, and family child care homes.

The Early Childhood Education major is 78 credits and can be completed in four years of full-time study at Bemidji State University. Most courses taken during the first and second year of study are liberal education requirements. Recommended liberal education coursework includes General Psychology, Speech, Introduction to Indian Studies, Minnesota History, Marriage and the Family, Computers, and Inter-cultural Communication.

Students who complete an A.S. degree in early childhood/childhood education programs at Northwest Technical College, Itasca Community College, and Central Lakes Community College may be able to substitute up to two semesters of coursework in the Early Childhood Education B.S. major. Contact Dr. Kathleen Sonsteng (218-755-4613) for details.

An alternative program is available for students who want the option to teach kindergarten or three- and four-year-olds as well as upper elementary grades. Bemidji State University offers a major in Elementary Education with a Preprimary endorsement. See the Elementary Education program for more information.