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Learn from experienced faculty and gain the skills you need to make a difference in the lives of young children.

In our early childhood education program, you'll learn the skills you need to become a socially aware and critically informed early childhood educator. You'll gain a foundation in child development, early childhood education, and teaching methods through hands-on and applied learning experiences. Learn to create inclusive, nurturing learning environments and make an impact on young lives in our hands-on, Montessori-influenced program.

Option: Early Childhood Licensure

Meet requirements for an early childhood (birth-8) teaching license in the State of Minnesota, (may be applicable to licensure in other states). Student teaching requirements may be completed in or near your own community. Complete licensure requirements as part of your first bachelor’s degree, or as a second-degree ´ºÓêÖ±²¥.

Option: Degree Completion for Montessori educators

Earn college credit for your previous Montessori credential and complete the remaining courses for a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education.

Option: Earn a Montessori Teaching credential

Earn an AMS (American Montessori Society) certificate (2.5-6 years) and a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education.

Option: Earn credit for your Child Development Associate (CDA) credential

Receive college credit for your previous CDA credential, applicable to your bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education.

St. ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ University is a top-ranked private university with a strong reputation for academic excellence. We also offer a variety of ´ºÓêÖ±²¥ support services, including career counseling, internship opportunities, and financial aid.

Scholarships

Scholarship opportunities for Montessori and early childhood educators include

• . This $500 award may be used for any expenses related to your education at St. Kate’s. 
• . A scholarship for Minnesota's early childhood and school-age care professionals may cover most expenses including tuition, textbooks, travel stipends, and paid release time.
• Corporate Partnership Program. Students employed by St. Kate's partners receive a 10% reduction on tuition.

Classes meet: Online*

Time to completion: 2-4 years

Credits for major: 50

Cost per credit (2024–2025): $500

Start: Fall, Spring, or Summer

*Field experience/´ºÓêÖ±²¥ teaching takes place at schools in or near your community. Licensure ´ºÓêÖ±²¥s who do not have Montessori credentials also attend methods courses on our St. Paul campus each summer (six weeks total).