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Early Childhood Education Degrees in Minnesota

With its historic dedication to education, Minnesota is often considered an excellent state in which to begin a teaching career. This is particularly true in the field of early childhood education, where funding and planning can make a huge difference for decades to come.

Early childhood teachers play a big role in the future success of kids, so choosing this area of teaching gives you a lot of responsibility. An early childhood license permits you to teach children aged birth through eight years.

Becoming an Early Childhood Teacher in Minnesota

This is a great time to learn about the field of early education and commit to a new career path.

Find out how to become an early childhood teacher by contacting Minnesota schools below.

Minnesota’s legislators continue to prioritize education, a fact that empowers teachers and gives them the funds they need to reshape children’s lives. Governor Mark Dayton is a huge advocate for teachers, particularly those in the field of early education (Twin Cities, 2016). He recently unveiled a complex plan to build up early education in Minnesota. The plan includes expanded preschool funding, more Head Start locations, and a higher per-pupil funding rate. Governor Dayton, along with educational experts, believe that this field is the secret to closing the achievement gap.

Get started on your chosen career path now.

Check out early childhood education programs below and reach out to schools that interest you.

Getting Your Early Childhood Education Degree in Minnesota

It’s important to consider your prior education and your career goals while selecting a degree program. If you have no prior education, you may want to earn an Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree.

An Associate’s degree may permit you to work in preschool classrooms as an assistant teacher, but you need a Bachelor’s degree to teach through third grade. A Bachelor’s degree includes between 120 and 140 credits, which most students can complete in four to five years.

Courses Required for an Early Childhood Education Degree

  • Linguistics for Teachers
  • Cognitive Development
  • Cognitive and Language Learning in Early Childhood Education
  • Education of Preschool Students
  • Technology for Teaching
  • Facilitating Creativity in Education
  • Foundations of Reading
  • Working with Developing Readers

You may spend quite a bit of time in your theory courses, but you must also spend plenty of time in local classrooms to become a confident teacher.

While you may start out observing teachers and doing one-on-one work with selected students, you should quickly broaden your skill set and take on important teaching duties. This prepares you for student teaching, the final test of your abilities. You must be able to work as an independent teacher to thrive in this experience.

Once you have selected an early education program, you may explore financial aid programs in Minnesota and across the country. Through ChildCare Aware of Minnesota, you can apply for scholarships awarded only to early childhood education students.

The licensing process is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Education. They require that graduates pass the relevant Minnesota Teacher Licensure Examinations prior to getting their licenses. They verify your student teaching hours and degree before making you a certified teacher.

With the right training, you can jump into the ever-growing field of education. Learn more about early childhood education.

Minnesota schools are listed below; reach out to them to compare your options.

Working as an Early Childhood Educator in Minnesota

There are myriad benefits associated with a teaching degree. As a newly licensed teacher, you may want to join the Minnesota Association for Family and Early Education. This group brings attention to the value of early education in this state, advocating for teachers and care providers alike. You may learn from veteran teachers and develop techniques to use in your own classroom.

The field of education in stable in Minnesota, which may help you find a position that suits you. Between 2014 and 2024, O*Net anticipates a 2% increase in job openings for preschool teachers and elementary school teachers (2016).

Statewide, the average income for a preschool teacher in MN is $34,770 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016). Elementary school teachers claim an average salary of $59,840 per year (BLS, 2016) in MN.

Delve into a field that may give you a meaningful, rewarding career.

Request information from local Minnesota teaching programs below.