Early Childhood Education Program
抖阴视频黄片鈥檚 Early Childhood Education program prepares students to work with children from birth through grade 3. The program combines coursework with hands-on experience in real early childhood settings, so students build practical skills while they learn.
Students can choose between flexible online coursework or face-to-face classes on campus. Online students complete coursework while gaining experience in licensed or accredited childcare programs and schools in their local communities. On-campus students follow 抖阴视频黄片鈥檚 block model, taking one course at a time while participating in lab-based learning experiences.
The program focuses on developing confident, skilled professionals who are ready to support children, families, and communities across Montana and beyond.
Why Choose 抖阴视频黄片?
抖阴视频黄片鈥檚 Early Childhood Education program is built to fit your life while preparing you for a meaningful career working with young children. With flexible options, hands-on experience, and strong support, you鈥檒l graduate ready for today鈥檚 workforce.
Program Highlights:
- Flexible learning options: fully online or on-campus with hands-on lab experiences
- Small class sizes for more personalized, interactive learning
- Online pathways for both new students and working professionals
- 鈥淟earn while you earn鈥� model with real-world experience built in
- Dedicated program success coach for one-on-one support
- Full-time or part-time scheduling options
- Stackable credentials that build toward advanced degrees
- Strong partnerships with early childhood programs across Montana
- Designed to support rural communities and workforce needs
- Coursework aligned with National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards聽
- Affordable, high-quality education
Delivery Methods
Online
This program is designed to be flexible without sacrificing hands-on experience. Students can complete coursework fully online, making it a strong option for those outside Dillon or balancing work and family responsibilities.
At the same time, all students complete in-person lab hours and fieldwork in licensed early childhood settings or schools within their local communities. These experiences are built into most courses to ensure consistent, practical learning.
In Person
Students also have the option to attend classes on campus through the block model, taking one course at a time while completing lab experiences in local childcare centers and schools. If a student does not already have a placement, the program helps connect them with opportunities nearby.
Student Teaching
Students pursuing the licensure track complete a full-semester student teaching experience as the final step in the program. This placement takes place in a Kindergarten through Grade 3 classroom under the guidance of a licensed mentor teacher.
During the semester, students gradually take on full classroom responsibilities while receiving support and feedback from both their mentor teacher and a university supervisor.
Student Teaching Includes:
- Full-semester placement in an elementary classroom
- Supervision by an experienced, licensed mentor teacher
- Ongoing evaluation and feedback from university faculty
- Progressive responsibility leading to full classroom instruction
Stackable Degrees
抖阴视频黄片鈥檚 Early Childhood Education program offers a stackable pathway, allowing you to start where you are and build your credentials over time. Students can begin with a certificate and progress to an associate degree, then a bachelor鈥檚 degree, with each step building on the last.
This approach makes it easier to continue your education while working and gaining experience in the field.
Career Opportunities
Graduates are prepared for a range of careers in early childhood education:
Infant & Toddler / Early Childhood Certificates:
Entry-level roles such as aides and assistants
AAS in Early Childhood Education:
Lead teachers in childcare programs and Head Start
BS: Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 3:
Licensed preschool and elementary teachers
BS: Teaching and Learning in Early Childhood:
Leadership roles with a focus on child development
Scholarships & Financial Support
Financial support is available to help you get started:
- $1,000 scholarships for new Early Childhood Education students (Summer/Fall 2026 start)
- Federal financial aid options, including Pell Grants
- Additional institutional scholarships available
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Early Childhood Education courses can be completed online. However, all students are required to complete in-person lab hours at a licensed or accredited early childhood program in their local community.
All early childhood courses include lab hours鈥攖ypically about 45 hours per class鈥攚orking directly with young children in licensed or accredited childcare programs or schools.
Some courses require experience with specific age groups. If you are already working in an early childhood setting, you may be able to complete your lab hours at your workplace, as long as it meets course requirements.
For a full time students:
- Early Childhood Education Certificate: 1 year
- Associate of Applied Science (AAS): 2 years
- Bachelor of Science (BS): 4 years
- Post-Baccalaureate: 1 year
The Early Childhood Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 3 (PK鈥�3) Bachelor of Science degree leads to teacher licensure.
Yes. Because students work directly with children during lab experiences, a background check is required during your first semester.
抖阴视频黄片 offers a range of services to support your success, including:
- Dedicated program coaches
- Library resources
- Free counseling services
- Student Success and Disability Support Services
- Technical support
- Access to UMW’s Learning Center with tutoring support
Contact Information
Distance & Online Programs