Early Childhood Education

Browse Majors & Minors


Student with backpack leans against wall.

 

 

Considering a career in teaching young children?

The endorsement in Early Childhood (ZS) Education for elementary teachers consists of 24 credit hours. Due to changes mandated by the Michigan Department of Education, this endorsement (ZS) is being discontinued. Students interested in this program must enroll in EDC 281 in Fall 2020 and EDC 183 in Winter 2021. No new admissions to the program after Fall 2020.

Dr. Peggy Thelen is the Director of the ZS endorsement program. For more information, email her at thelen@alma.edu.

Experiential Learning

You will have two early childhood classroom placements in the local area. The first placement is typically the first semester of your second year, and the second placement is typically the first semester of your third year.

  • The early childhood student teaching term is 7 weeks long, and is done in either an infant, toddler, or preschool general or special education classroom. You may do your EC student teaching near your hometown (except in the Upper Peninsula).

  • Service Learning opportunities are available and change with the community need.

  • You will have opportunities for international teaching experiences through Spring Terms as well as with a P-Global grant and/or a Venture Grant.

Service Learning Project Examples:

  • Partnership with Alma College Head Start