Early Childhood Education: P-3 Minor
Program Description
The function of the Early Childhood Education: P-3 Minor for Early Childhood Majors Program is to prepare, graduate, and refer for a P-3 endorsement, those 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.
Career Opportunities
Candidates who complete all of the requirements for the Early Childhood Education: P-3 minor and successfully complete the licensure process for teaching P-3 are qualified to teach in Pre-K to Grade 3 classrooms. See the Education Division Student Handbook for a detailed description of program and licensure requirements. Graduation with a minor in ECE: P-3 is not a guarantee of licensure. This program is accredited by the Montana Board of Public Education.
Program Outcomes:
Upon completion of the minor in Early Childhood Education P:3, candidates will demonstrate the skills, dispositions and knowledge in relationship to the National Association for the Education of Young Children Professional Standards for Preparing Early Childhood Practitioners and the InTASC Standards as listed in the Early Childhood Education P:3 academic major. Refer to the Education Division website for the list of these competencies and the requirements for meeting them.