Early Childhood Education (PreK–K)
The Early Childhood Education (ECE) program at The W prepares you to teach and advocate for children from birth through age 8. With a focus on earning your Mississippi PreK–Kindergarten teaching license, you’ll gain the knowledge, skills, and hands-on training to support young learners and their families while building a strong foundation for a career in early education.
The W is a low-cost leader in teacher preparation—your degree doesn’t have to cost a fortune to change lives. With affordable tuition, small classes, and faculty who know your name, you’ll get the personal support you need to succeed.
Courses are offered online or in person, with classroom-based practical experiences arranged in your own community. Our students are located across the region—and even around the world—and we work with schools where you live to create meaningful residency and internship opportunities. We know that grassroots, homegrown teachers are often the most effective, and our goal is to help you stay and serve where you are needed most.
Why Choose This Program?
- Specialized preparation in child development and early learning.
- Step-sequenced Blocks with integrated coursework and classroom residencies.
- Strong focus on literacy, numeracy, and developmentally appropriate practices.
- Access to lab school and community-based practicum experiences.
- Faculty mentorship and small class sizes for individualized support.
- Licensure recommendation for PreK–K teaching in Mississippi.
Career Outcomes
Graduates are well-prepared for diverse career pathways, including:
- Classroom Teaching: Licensed PreK–K teacher in public schools with full state benefits and retirement. A PreK–K license offers career steadiness, aligning early childhood educators with other licensed teachers while meeting the growing state and national demand for expanded PreK programs.
- Early Learning Specialist: Positions in Head Start, childcare centers, and community-based programs.
- Policy & Advocacy: Roles in nonprofit organizations, state agencies, and advocacy groups shaping early childhood policy and practice.
- Program Leadership: Coordinators or directors in early learning programs, community partnerships, or resource centers.
- Further Study: Continue on to graduate school for additional endorsements and skills to support early intervention and children with all needs.
The W Difference
Our Block-and-Residency model ensures students don’t just learn about teaching—they practice it continuously. By the time they enter their internship semester, candidates have already built confidence and skill in real classrooms, making them classroom-ready on day one.
Our ECE program is deeply connected to the community. Students benefit from partnerships with local schools, childcare centers, and family resource programs, ensuring preparation that goes beyond the classroom. This focus opens doors not only to teaching but also to leadership and advocacy roles that improve outcomes for children and families across Mississippi and beyond.
Plan of Study
Core Required Courses (Minimum grade of C)
- COM 101 Oral Communications
- EN 101 English Composition I
- EN 102 English Composition II
- MA 111 Modern Elementary Math I
- MA 112 Modern Elementary Math II
- MA 113 College Algebra (or higher)
Other Core Requirements
- Fine Art (History or Appreciation)
- GEO 101 World Geography
- History (2 courses)
- Literature (2 courses)
- Natural Science with Lab (2 courses)
- Philosophy
- PSY 206 Human Growth & Development
- Additional Science (with or without lab)
Block I Courses (Minimum grade of C; ED 302 requires a B)
- ED 200 Education as a Profession
- ED 204 Principles of Early Childhood Learning
- ED 301 Education Seminar I
- ED 302 Art & Science of Teaching (minimum grade of B)
- ED 306 Introduction to Special Education
- ED 311 Education Residency I
- ED 365 Integrating Reading & Writing Across the Curriculum
Block II Courses (Minimum grade of C)
- ED 313 Supporting Infants & Toddlers
- ED 315 Policy & Advocacy in Early Education
- ED 318 Strengthening Family & Community Connections
- ED 361 Early Literacy Instruction I
- ED 367 Education Residency II
- ED 390 Classroom Management & Student Accommodations & Interventions
Block III Courses (Minimum grade of C)
- ED 362 Early Literacy Instruction II
- ED 413 Methods & Materials in STEM for Early Childhood
- ED 415 Methods & Materials in Creative Arts for Young Children
- ED 417 Social-Emotional Behaviors in Early Childhood
- ED 419 Leading Early Education Programs
- ED 435 Education Residency III
Block IV Courses (Minimum grade of C)
- ED 404 Teacher Internship: Early Childhood Education
- ED 421 Assessment Methods in Early Childhood
Contact Us
Have questions about admissions, pathways, licensure, or reciprocity options? Connect with our program navigator, Christi Dillon, for step-by-step guidance.
education@muw.edu
After completing all coursework and passing all licensure exams required by the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE), graduates will be recommended for a Mississippi teaching license or endorsements. Once licensed in Mississippi, teachers may apply for licensure in other states through reciprocity agreements.
