Early Childhood Education P-3 Major

The Early Childhood Education P-3 major is designed for students seeking a preschool through grade 3 teaching endorsement.  Coursework and field experience provide multiple opportunities for applied understanding of children's growth and development, building family and community relationships, conducting observations and assessments, understanding developmentally appropriate practices, implementing curriculum, and promoting the well-being of young children and their families. 

Students complete two consecutive semesters of part time practicum teaching prior to student teaching.  During the practicum semesters, students spend the equivalent of four half-days in supervised settings working directly with children while concurrently completing their P3 methods and other upper division courses. The student teaching semester is a full time, whole day, fourteen-week supervised experience in a K-3 classroom setting. No other courses are taken during the student teaching semester.

Students must receive a grade of "C" or higher in all required courses and must be admitted into the Teacher Education Program prior to taking their upper division methods and practicum coursework.

Upon completion of the degree, students are eligible for licensure in the state of Montana.  For more information on admission to the Teacher Education Program, student teaching, licensure, professional expectations, and more, please see the Teacher Education Program section of this catalog.