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Saginaw Valley State University

Early Childhood

Undergraduate Major

The Undergraduate Major in Early Childhood is an ideal degree program for teachers wishing to specialize in Early Childhood Classroom Teaching (birth through age 8) while pursuing an elementary teaching certificate. Those who enroll in this program will have the opportunity to gain new ideas for current best practices in teaching young children and develop skills for reaching all students. The 30 credit endorsement program assists students seeking the coveted ZS endorsement for Early Childhood (General and Special Education).

An Early Childhood (ZS) endorsement is increasingly becoming a requirement for employment in public and private school districts for kindergarten, first and second grades, Headstart, and Early Headstart. This endorsement is required for state-funded four-year old preschool (GSRP) programs. Candidates with a ZS endorsement will also be able to teach in non-categorical early childhood special education (ECSE classrooms and Birth-3 home visiting programs).

Program Highlights

  • 100% of graduates were hired by the start of the school year for the past six years*
  • SVSU candidates have a higher pass rate on the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification in Early Childhood than state average.**
  • The Early Childhood program at SVSU is nationally recognized by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
  • SVSU faculty in the Early Childhood program are highly qualified in both Early Childhood and Special Education and use their experience to provide an excellent combination of theoretical and practical knowledge.
  • The Early Childhood Education degree and associ­ated endorsement program align with the accredita­tion standards of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)

Program Advisor:
Dr. Colleen D'Arcy

 

*data derived from 2010-2016 early childhood graduation classes

**data derived from 2012-2015 testing cycles

Contact Us

coeconnect@svsu.edu
(989) 964-4057(989) 964-4057

Dean

James E. Tarr, Ph.D.

Acting Assistant Dean & Professor

Colleen D'Arcy, Ph.D.

Office

College of Education Dean's Office
Gilbertson Hall, North 275
University Center, MI 48710
989-964-7107
coe-dean@svsu.edu

Hours

8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.