Program(s) Available: B.S.Ed.
Are you a patient individual who loves working with children? Are you an excellent communicator? Young children learn through examples and stories that are relatable. If you want to help children discover the world through play and interaction, the early childhood education major may be right for you!
Northwest's early childhood education program helps students complete the program's licensure requirements and earn their teaching license with an endorsement in early childhood education. This license enables students to teach children from birth through the third grade in multiple settings, including public and nonpublic schools, homes and other community settings.
Studies show the first several years of a child's life are extremely important in their growth and development. This makes early childhood education even more significant! Faculty focus on preparing childhood teachers, decision-makers and leaders to create learning opportunities that ensure the wellbeing of children and families.
This program offers a strengths-based teaching approach with all children, including those with special needs or rights. In addition to completing child-centered and culturally sensitive coursework, students participate in field experiences in the Phyllis and Richard Leet Center, Horace Mann Laboratory School and partnering community settings. Combined, these opportunities provide Northwest students with excellent hands-on experience.
Individually and as a cohort of learners, students learn an integrated approach to teaching and learning through meaningful practices in diverse systems and settings. Opportunities to learn together as colleagues who further each other’s reflective thinking skills prepare students for their future careers.
Northwest faculty have numerous connections and work collaboratively with surrounding preschools, school districts, licensed childcare facilities and home providers, ensuring students have opportunities to participate in various learning settings as early as their first year at Northwest.
School of Education
660.562.1239
emattson@olmath.com
Career Ready
“I chose Northwest because it was the perfect distance from home, and it was just the right size to meet my educational wants and needs.” — Nicole Reed
Students in the early childhood program utilize the Horace Mann Laboratory School. This facility offers clinical teaching environments on the Northwest campus for students to get hands-on learning.
The Phyllis and Richard Leet Center allows students and staff to engage in collaborative inquiry with children, families, teachers and faculty in ways that foster conversations about research, best practices and innovation.
With an additional six credit hours, students can add a special education certification to the early childhood major that allows them to teach birth through third grade.
