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Early Childhood Education Degrees in South Dakota

Teaching is one of the most crucial career paths in society. From the largest cities of the United States to the smallest rural communities, all children deserve a high-quality education that prepares them for the challenges of life.

By earning your license in early childhood education, you can discover what society’s youngest children need to learn and how to make lessons stick. By the time you complete your training, you can teach children through age eight.

Becoming an Early Childhood Teacher in South Dakota

How can you develop the expertise you need to reach the children of South Dakota? You start with a multifaceted education that gives you a foundation of teaching theories, childhood development, and educational psychology.

Get started now by contacting early childhood education schools below.

South Dakota, as one of the most rural states in the country, has a vested interest in early education. Access to early schooling helps South Dakota children prepare for a wide range of career paths and educational options, ensuring that they are allowed to reach their full potential.

Early education teaching professionals can build their careers by attending events like the South Dakota Early Childhood Education Conference.

Start the path to an early childhood education degree now.

Reach out to South Dakota teaching programs to learn more.

Getting Your Early Childhood Education Degree in South Dakota

Every student is different, and you need to choose a training program that fits your learning needs and career goals. If you have earned a Bachelor’s degree already, you may be less than two years from becoming a teacher. You can do this by earning a Master’s degree or completing an alternative certification program.

If you’re entirely new to postsecondary education, you can meet core licensing expectations by earning a Bachelor’s degree. While pursuing a Bachelor’s degree, you earn 120 credits by taking an array of early childhood education courses.

South Dakota Early Childhood Education Core Classes

  • Kindergarten Education
  • Early Childhood Curriculum
  • Family Systems and Professional Collaboration
  • Foundations of Science Education
  • Foundations of Literacy Education
  • K-3 Art Methods
  • K-3 Music Methods
  • Teaching Reading in Early Education

The classes you’re required to take build your overall understanding of how children learn, how to adjust your teaching methods accordingly, and how to meet your state’s curricular standards.

Throughout your training, you put this knowledge to the test by completing rotations in local classrooms. At religious schools, private schools, public schools, and preschools, you can learn about the slight differences between students at different ages. You may also discover which type of work setting you’d like to work in after graduation.

To bring together your entire education, you do an entire semester of student teaching before you graduate. Your school may assign you to a specific school, keeping in mind your preferences and career goals.

Finally, you can apply for your teaching license and start to turn your professional dreams into reality. Licensure is regulated by the South Dakota Department of Education. They require passing scores on the Praxis II exams that relate to early childhood and teaching theories.

In about four years, you may be able to earn a Bachelor’s degree in education and teach children in local preschools and elementary schools.

Take the first step now by reaching out to South Dakota teaching programs.

Working as an Early Childhood Educator in South Dakota

The state of South Dakota may be an excellent place to get established as an educator and make a name for yourself. The state is in great need of skilled teachers, particularly on reservations and in remote communities.

Between 2014 and 2024, statewide demand for preschool teachers may increase 14% (O*Net, 2016). During this time period, job openings for elementary school teachers may see a 5% boost (O*Net, 2016).

Although there are variances between school districts and specific schools, average salaries in South Dakota are similar to national averages. The mean income for a preschool teacher is $29,550 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016). Those who work as elementary school teachers earn an average of $42,510 annually (BLS, 2016).

As you make your way in this industry, make full use of local and national resources. One option to explore in this state is the South Dakota Association for the Education of Young Children.

This is the time to start a career that can improve the quality of life in South Dakota.

Explore your options now with the list of teaching programs below.