{"id":1896,"date":"2025-09-17T11:31:27","date_gmt":"2025-09-17T16:31:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/education\/?p=1896"},"modified":"2025-10-17T14:33:46","modified_gmt":"2025-10-17T19:33:46","slug":"early-childhood-education","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/education\/support\/early-childhood-education\/","title":{"rendered":"New Degree Track in Early Childhood Education"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/09\/1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1891\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/09\/1.png 900w, https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/09\/1-300x100.png 300w, https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/09\/1-768x256.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-1685\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/04\/J5A5046-1024x683.jpg\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/04\/J5A5046-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/04\/J5A5046-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/04\/J5A5046-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/04\/J5A5046.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-vivid-cyan-blue-background-color has-background-dim\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-black-color has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-large-font-size wp-elements-b74788b8ef99260a45745cbdf372c67e\"><strong>Shape the Foundation for Lifelong Learning<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size\"><strong>Early Childhood Education (PreK\u2013K)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Early Childhood Education (ECE) program at The W<\/strong> prepares you to teach and advocate for children from <strong>birth through age 8<\/strong>. With a focus on earning your <strong>Mississippi PreK\u2013Kindergarten teaching license<\/strong>, you\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The W is a <strong>low-cost leader in teacher preparation<\/strong>\u2014your degree doesn\u2019t have to cost a fortune to change lives. With affordable tuition, small classes, and faculty who know your name, you\u2019ll get the personal support you need to succeed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Courses are offered <strong>online or in person<\/strong>, with classroom-based practical experiences arranged in your own community. Our students are located across the region\u2014and even around the world\u2014and 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 in the places you are needed most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why Choose This Program?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Specialized preparation in child development and early learning.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Step-sequenced Blocks with integrated coursework and classroom residencies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strong focus on literacy, numeracy, and developmentally appropriate practices.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Access to lab school and community-based practicum experiences.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Faculty mentorship and small class sizes for individualized support.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Licensure recommendation for PreK\u2013K teaching in Mississippi. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Early Childhood Courses<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>ED 204 Principles of Early Childhood Learning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ED 313 Supporting Infants &amp; Toddlers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ED 315 Policy &amp; Advocacy in Early Education<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ED 318 Strengthening Family &amp; Community Connections<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ED 413 Methods &amp; Materials in STEM for Early Childhood<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ED 415 Methods\/Materials in Creative Arts for Young Children<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ED 417 Social-Emotional Behaviors in Early Childhood<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ED 419 Leading Early Education Programs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ED 421 Assessment Methods in Early Childhood<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ED 404 Teacher Internship: Early Childhood<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-background\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p><strong>Career Outcomes<\/strong><br>Graduates are well-prepared for diverse career pathways, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Classroom Teaching<\/strong>: Licensed PreK\u2013K teacher in public schools with full state benefits and retirement. A PreK\u2013K license offers career steadiness, aligning early childhood educators with other licensed teachers while meeting the growing state and national demand for expanded PreK programs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Early Learning Specialist<\/strong>: Positions in Head Start, childcare centers, and community-based programs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Policy &amp; Advocacy<\/strong>: Roles in nonprofit organizations, state agencies, and advocacy groups shaping early childhood policy and practice.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Program Leadership<\/strong>: Coordinators or directors in early learning programs, community partnerships, or resource centers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Further Study<\/strong>: Continue on to graduate school with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/education\/support\/master-of-education-m-ed-in-multiple-exceptionalities\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"1938\">Master&#8217;s in Multiple Exceptionalities for more endorsements and skills to help in early intervention and with children with all needs.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The W Difference<\/strong><br>Our Block-and-Residency model ensures students don\u2019t just learn about teaching\u2014they 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-luminous-vivid-amber-background-color has-background\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-file has-luminous-vivid-amber-background-color has-background\" data-aos=\"slide-left\"><a id=\"wp-block-file--media-a3532bb4-45c2-42d9-b776-db7e72596423\" href=\"https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/education\/support\/early-childhood-education\/attachment\/ece-plan-of-study-form-6-24-25-cd\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Download your plan of study: <\/strong><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2025\/09\/ECE-Plan-of-Study-Form-6-24-25-CD.docx\" class=\"wp-block-file__button wp-element-button\" download aria-describedby=\"wp-block-file--media-a3532bb4-45c2-42d9-b776-db7e72596423\">Download<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-pale-cyan-blue-background-color has-background\"><strong>Contact Us<\/strong><br>Have questions about admissions, pathways, licensure, or reciprocity options? Connect with our program navigator, <strong>Christi Dillon<\/strong>, at <strong><a>cmdillon@muw.edu<\/a><\/strong> or <strong>662-329-7190<\/strong> for step-by-step guidance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\"><strong><em><em><strong>After completing all coursework and passing the required Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) exams, 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<\/strong><\/em><\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"971\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2023\/08\/CPDC-kids-971x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-403\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2023\/08\/CPDC-kids-971x1024.jpg 971w, https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2023\/08\/CPDC-kids-285x300.jpg 285w, https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2023\/08\/CPDC-kids-768x810.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2023\/08\/CPDC-kids.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 971px) 100vw, 971px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"971\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2023\/08\/CPDC-kids-2-971x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-402\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2023\/08\/CPDC-kids-2-971x1024.jpg 971w, https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2023\/08\/CPDC-kids-2-285x300.jpg 285w, https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2023\/08\/CPDC-kids-2-768x810.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/27\/2023\/08\/CPDC-kids-2.jpg 1138w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 971px) 100vw, 971px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"YOUR CALLING Early Childhood Education at The W\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/oEl5zifWjGE?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Early Childhood Education (PreK\u2013K) 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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":32,"featured_media":2416,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10,24,5,6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1896","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-resources","category-updates","category-support","category-newsletter"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1896","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/32"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1896"}],"version-history":[{"count":21,"href":"https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1896\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2521,"href":"https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1896\/revisions\/2521"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2416"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1896"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1896"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.muw.edu\/education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1896"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}