Early Childhood Education
Early Childhood Education providers serve an important community and cultural role regarding the education and care of our children. Early Childhood is seen as the foundation for education within our contemporary society. Early Childhood Education students who successfully complete the program of study will have acquired the requisite skills for obtaining employment or advancement in the field of early childhood care and education.
This program includes both an academic base and methods courses that provide a balanced program for those wishing to pursue a four year program or begin a career as an early childhood care provider. Opportunities are available on campus to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education through Mayville State University.
Child Development
Childrens early years are integral to their physical, social, emotional, behavioral, language, and cognitive development. From birth to age 8, children go through rapid phases of development and growth.
Positive Guidance
Positive Guidance and discipline are crucial for children because they promote self- control, self-regulation, teach responsibility, and help them make thoughtful choices.
Hands-on Learning
Hands-on learning allows children to use their senses to engage children in problem-solving strategies and allows
children to interact with the learning materials.
Opportunities
Early Head Start, Head Start, FACE, Little Dreamers Daycare, Public Schools, Lake Region area child care centers, Starting Your Own Business
Courses of Essential Study
| Course # | Course Name | Offered | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGL 100 | Student Success | FA,SP,SU | 1 |
| ENGL 110 | College Composition I | FA,SP,SU | 3 |
| ENGL 120 | College Composition II* | FA,SP | 3 |
| COMM 110 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | FA,SP | 3 |
| ND:FA or ND:HUM or ND:HIST | 3 | ||
| ND:FA or ND:HUM or ND:HIST | 3 | ||
| PSYC 111 | Introduction to Psychology | FA | 3 |
| SOC 110 | Introduction to Sociology | SP | 3 |
| CSCI 101 | Introduction to Computers | FA,SP,SU | 3 |
| MATH 103 | College Algebra | FA,SP,SU | 3 |
| SCIENCE/L | ND:LABSC – Lab Science Elective | 3 | |
| ND:LABSC – Corresponding Lab | 1 | ||
| DSL 250 | Dakota Language I | FA,SP,SU | 3 |
| DS 110 | Dakota Culture and History | FA,SP,SU | 3 |
| TOTAL | 38 | ||
Core Classes
| Course # | Course Name | Offered | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| EC 210 | Introduction to Early Childhood Education | FA,SP | 3 |
| EC 211 | Observations, Assessment, Interpretation* | FA | 3 |
| EC 213 | Language and Literacy in Early Childhood* | SP | 3 |
| EC 220 | Infants and Toddlers** | FA | 3 |
| EC 233 | Pre-K Methods and Materials* | FA | 3 |
| EC 235 | Art, Music, and Play* | SP | 3 |
| EC 236 | Social Emotional Development** | SU | 3 |
| EC 237 | Children with Special Needs* | SP | 3 |
| EC 297 | Early Childhood Student Internship* | FA,SP | 4 |
| TOTAL | 28 |
Program Electives
Course # Course Name Offered Credits
| Offered | Credits | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| PSYC 250 | Developmental Psychology SP | FA | 3 |
| BUSN 170 | Entrepreneurship SU | FA | 3 |
| *Prerequisite or Co-requisites exist. See advisor for details. | |||
| **Alternate Summer Rotation |
Degree Program Total Credits…..66
Updated 2/13/26
• Student will create a developmentally appropriate environment.
• Student will demonstrate a comprehensive curriculum.
• Student will demonstrate various assessment strategies.
• Student will demonstrate their ability to maintain positive relationships.
Median annual wage in May 2019 – $30,520 Job outlook 2019-29 4% as slower than average.
The Early Childhood Education faculty is a professional who has been employed in private and public sectors of education and business. She continues to participate in professional development and scholarly activity to enhance their knowledge and to serve as role models for life long learning.
Dr. Teresa Harding | 701-766-1138 | teresa.harding@littlehoop.edu
