Ten more accredited education degree programs in Missouri fulfill CAEP standards for earning the Birth-Grade 3 teaching certification in the Show-Me State. Nestled in the Ozarks along the Mississippi River, Missouri is a Midwestern hub with 69,704 square miles divided into 114 counties. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 6.1 percent of Missouri’s 6.093 million people are under five years old. Early childhood educators may find work with the Missouri Head Start Association, which has regional offices from Kansas City east to Springfield. Others may teach primary grades in top-ranked districts like Clayton Schools, Kirkwood Schools, Ladue Schools, and Rockwood R-VI Schools. Jobs will be growing since Missouri legislators announced a $68 million increase in Pre-K funding starting in 2018! To see more programs in Missouri, visit Early Childhood Education Degree Programs in Missouri (A-R).
Saint Louis University
School of Education
Devoted to the motto “Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam,” Saint Louis University is a four-year, nonprofit Catholic A-10 Conference member led by President Fred Pestello with 13,505 Billikens studying upon its 271-acre St. Louis campus and stand-alone Madrid extension. SLU is crowned America’s 94th best university by the U.S. News, 109th top college by Times Higher Education, and 144th best private school in Forbes. Tracing back to 1925, the School of Education has 30 full-time faculty providing seven accredited education degree programs in Missouri that ranked 123rd nationally on the Niche with a 97 percent certification rate.
B.A. in Education: Early Childhood Education Concentration
Headed by Molly A. Schaller, PhD, the Saint Louis B.A. in Education program presently bills $41,540 annually for full-time undergraduates to develop practical teaching skills in three concentrations, including Early Childhood Education. Focused on the development of children aged 0-8, the eight-semester program uses a “block” design for courses from emergent literacy to classroom organization and multicultural issues. Requiring passing MoGEA scores, the curriculum integrates three practica before a student-teaching semester at partners, including the Laboratory Elementary School in Baguio City, Philippines. Students could also join the Billiken Teaching Corps, add the Catholic Education Minor, declare Honors, advocate with The Ability Institute, and take the Protecting God’s Children Workshop.
Accreditation
• Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Preparation (CAEP)
• Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA)
Contact
Fitzgerald Hall 103
3800 Lindell Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63103
(314) 977-3484
schallerma@slu.edu
https://www.slu.edu/programs/undergraduate/education.php
Southeast Missouri State University
College of Education
Selectively admitting 11,987 Redhawks in the Ohio Valley Conference, Southeast Missouri State University is a public, coeducational teaching institute led by President Carlos Vargas-Aburto with a $58.5 million endowment on its 328-acre Cape Girardeau County headquarters in Forbes’ 97th best city for careers. SEMO is ranked America’s 151st best Greek life college on Niche and 249th top master’s university by Washington Monthly. Split into three departments, the College of Education is a two-time AASCU Christa McAuliffe Showcase for Excellence Award winner applauded for its EDvolution iPad integration, Tomorrow’s Teachers learning community, and 92 percent job placement.
Early Childhood Education Major
Labeled “Exemplary” by the Missouri Board of Education, SEMO’s Early Childhood Education Major confers a Bachelor of Arts or Science for undergrads to unlock opportunities positively affecting children’s futures with the Birth-Grade 3 certification. Providing optional add-on elementary certification for Grades 1-6, the 127-credit curriculum injects courses like assistive technology and content area literacy before the eighth-term student teaching block. Examples of practica placements include Franklin Elementary, Trinity Lutheran School, and Parkview State School. Chaired by Dr. Julie A. Ray, the program could include applied experiences in the on-campus Autism Center. Majors might also volunteer with Reading Recovery, obtain the Midwest Achievement Award, study abroad in 35 countries, and join Kappa Delta Pi.
Master of Arts in Elementary Education: Early Childhood Emphasis
Accepting GRE scores in the top 50th percentile, the Master of Arts in Elementary Education at SEMO is one of the accredited education degree programs in Missouri letting post-grads study conveniently online within three emphases: Reading Specialist, Early Childhood, or Math/Science Education. Most are already certified teachers seeking the 33-credit advanced degree to deepen pedagogical expertise for optimally instructing children under age eight. Online courses on Moodle make content on language acquisition, educational assessment, curriculum construction, and family-school collaboration available 24/7. Currently charging $334 per credit for anyone, the program lets educators select a written exam, graduate paper, or thesis as capstone. There’s also an M.A. in Exceptional Child Education for Early Childhood.
Accreditation
• Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Preparation (CAEP)
• Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA)
Contact
Scully Hall 314
1 University Plaza
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
(573) 651-2444
jaray@semo.edu
http://semo.edu/eese/academic-programs.html
University of Central Missouri
College of Education
Established as Normal School No. 2 in 1871, the University of Central Missouri advocates for “Learning to a Greater Degree” as a public, coeducational teacher-oriented institution endowed for $39.34 million under President Charles M. Ambrose with 14,395 Mules engaged on its 1,561 acres in Johnson County. UCMO is ranked America’s 123rd best standout college on Niche, 72nd best online graduate school by the U.S. News, and 550th top value in MONEY Magazine. Graded “B+” for diversity, the College of Education has alums teaching in 62 percent of Missouri school districts for a 20-year net ROI of $193,000 according to PayScale.
Early Childhood Education Major, B.S.
Featuring a 20:1 student-professor ratio, UCMO’s Early Childhood Education Major B.S. is chaired by Dr. Ann McCoy in Warrensburg to produce competent, caring reflective teachers who integrate technology into Birth-Grade 3 classrooms for teaching all children regardless of disability. Drawing on 140 years of experience, the premier four-year degree builds MoSPE competencies with courses like classroom interactions and family resources. Before the 16-week senior internship, two six-credit practica blocks are completed in early and upper-level settings. Popular placements include Little Stars Child Development, Ridge View Elementary, and Sacred Heart Preschool. Majors may also claim the Helen Monroe Bell Scholarship, join the CEC Student Chapter, pursue the Substitute Certificate, and teach English in Vietnam.
M.S.E. in Elementary & Early Childhood Education
Based on NBPTS standards, the M.S.E. in Elementary & Early Childhood Education is another of the hybrid accredited education degree programs in Missouri blending online and ITV sessions with in-person internships to promote post-grads’ curriculum and instruction skills. Charging $340 per online credit, the 31-credit degree admits certified teachers with one year of experience and GPAs exceeding 2.75. After accepted $30 applications, courses span from childhood research to leadership analysis. Integrated electives could be tailored for Child and Family Development, Literacy, Special Education, or Math Specialist. Before their capstone, graduates can also join Leading Educator Advocates for Diversity (LEAD), add the Autism Spectrum Disorders Certificate, and earn the Ada M. Griffin Scholarship.
Accreditation
• Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Preparation (CAEP)
• Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA)
Contact
Lovinger Building 3300
P.O. Box 800
Warrensburg, MO 64093
(660) 543-4235
mccoy@ucmo.edu
University of Missouri-Kansas City
School of Education
Affiliated with noteworthy alums like Harry S. Truman, Clarence M. Kelley, and Edie McClurg, the University of Missouri-Kansas City is a public, metropolitan RU/H research hub founded in 1933 that’s grown a $1.12 billion endowment systemwide to have 16,944 Kangaroos jumping onto its 157-acre Volker Campus. UMKC is ranked America’s 122th top public school by the U.S. News, 218th best research university in Forbes, and 22nd best standout college on Niche. Besides running the Urban Education Research Center, the School of Education has 16 CAEP accredited education degree programs in Missouri with 74 percent retention.
Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction: Early Childhood Education
Presently priced at $479 for Missourians and $1,075 for non-residents per credit, UMKC’s Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction is an advanced, non-licensure graduate program for certified teachers to deepen their knowledge in five specializations, including Early Childhood Education. Chaired by Dr. Rita Barger, the 36-credit major examines various curricular approaches like Montessori and Reggio Emilia for improving outcomes in Birth-Grade 3 classrooms. In-service educators take engaging courses from play therapy to urban school crises either online or in Kansas City until the culminating action research. Post-grads might also pursue the ESOL Endorsement, obtain the TEACH Grant, practice in the Berkley Child Development Center, join the Master Teacher Academy, and pledge Phi Kappa Phi.
Accreditation
• Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Preparation (CAEP)
• Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA)
Contact
Education Building 309
615 E. 52nd Street
Kansas City, MO 64110
(816) 235-2245
teachedsoe@umkc.edu
https://education.umkc.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/early-childhood/
University of Missouri-St. Louis
College of Education
Led by Chancellor Thomas F. George, the University of Missouri-St. Louis is a public, land-grant coeducational doctoral institution endowed for $281.3 million in the Great Lakes Valley Conference to attract 16,989 Tritons onto its 350 urban acres stretching from Bellerive to Normandy in “Gateway City.” UMSL is ranked America’s 213rd best research university in Forbes, 218th best public college on Niche, and 209th top high school counselor pick by the U.S. News. Also placed sixth nationally for veteran-friendliness on College Factual, the College of Education was reaffirmed by the CAEP in 2015 with 45-full-time faculty and 200+ clinical supervisors.
BSED Early Childhood Education
Currently costing an average net price of $8,158 yearly, the BSED Early Childhood Education at St. Louis is a teacher certification track for undergrads to learn the best instructional practices in formal, inclusive Birth-Grade 3 classrooms. The 128-credit program has an optional Early Childhood Special Education Emphasis with courses from building community to assessing learning. Two practica at “studio schools” like Pevely Elementary and Parker Road Elementary are included. Firsthand experience is also gathered at the on-site University Child Development Center with kids from six weeks to five years old. Majors may attend the Pierre Laclede Honors College, teach in China, volunteer with United Way, join the Kappa Delta Pi Mu Iota Chapter, and participate in the Gateway Writing Project.
Bachelor of Educational Studies in Early Childhood
Reporting 77 percent freshman retention, UMSL’s Bachelor of Educational Studies is a unique undergrad alternative for Tritons to pursue non-licensure, education-related jobs outside the traditional classroom with interdisciplinary skills. Advised by Director Kimberly Prather, the 122-credit degree has emphases for Early Childhood, Youth and Adult Development, Park and Museum Studies, or Exercise Science and Wellness. Education courses are mixed with managerial courses from the AACSB-accredited College of Business Administration for leadership acumen. The flexibility is ideal for transfers, including from the nearby St. Louis Community College and Vatterott College. Career connections are developed with upper-division internships at agencies like Beyond Housing, St. Louis ARC, Kids Play, and Missouri DSS.
MED Elementary Education: Early Childhood Emphasis
Open for admission until July 1st, December 1st, and May 1st yearly, the MED Elementary Education is another of the online accredited education degree programs in Missouri granting the Early Childhood Emphasis to St. Louis post-grads seeking advancement journeys. Emphasizing social justice, the 33-credit curriculum fosters the teaching methods, cultural intelligence, reflective practices, and creative skills demanded in Birth-3rd Grade settings. Directed by Professor Lynn M. Navin, the program has a 17:1 student-faculty ratio for online courses like educational play and childcare administration on Blackboard. Didactic instruction is applied via field practicum in teachers’ own districts and action research projects. Admission will require a minimum 2.5 GPA and passing Praxis II scores.
Accreditation
• Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Preparation (CAEP)
• Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA)
Contact
SCCB Building 130
1 University Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63121
(314) 516-6789
navinl@umsl.edu
https://coe.umsl.edu/w2/index.cfm
Webster University
School of Education
Opened in 1915 in St. Louis, Forbes’ 149th best city for job growth, now with global campuses from Guadalajara to London and Osaka, Webster University is a private, nonprofit Christian SLIAC member that’s enrolling 22,000 Gorloks and employing 184 full-time faculty like David Clewell. Webster is ranked America’s 80th best private value in Kiplinger’s, 344th top master’s university by Washington Monthly, and 276th best small college on Niche. Congratulated by the USNWR for the 149th best online teacher preparation, the School of Education has 12 accredited education degree programs in Missouri for undergrad tuition of $26,900 yearly.
Bachelor of Arts in Education (B.A.) with Early Childhood and Elementary Certification
Chaired by Brenda Fyfe, EdD, Webster’s Bachelor of Arts in Education (B.A.) uses TK20 to exhibit undergraduates’ learned teaching skills with portfolios concentrated in 12 certification fields, including Early Childhood and Elementary Education. Beginning with the Global Citizenship Program, the 128-credit curriculum is structured to fulfill Missouri’s requirements for teaching in Birth-Grade 3 and/or Grade 1-6 classrooms. Required courses like infant/toddler development and differentiated instruction are available in St. Louis, Webster Groves, or online. Dual certification majors tackle preschool, childhood, and intermediate practica at partnership schools like Sigel Elementary or Lincoln Middle. Students could also pursue the Global Education Certificate, contribute to the Intercultural Research Center, become Kornblum Scholars, and join the NAfME Chapter.
Accreditation
• Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Preparation (CAEP)
• Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association (HLC-NCA)
Contact
Webster Hall 224A
470 E. Lockwood Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63119
(314) 246-8004
soe@webster.edu
http://www.webster.edu/education/academics/undergraduate-programs.html
The BLS figures that 160,540 Missourians work in the education field to inspire the next generation’s leaders. Early childhood educators land in the bottom half for earning potential with an average Pre-K salary of just $27,500. Yet Missouri relies upon ECE graduates to position the 304,287 Missourians under age six for lifelong academic success. In fact, Child Care Aware of Missouri reports that the state reaps a $1.87 ROI for every $1 invested in early childhood programs. One of the best ways to boost your early childhood pay and marketability is by attending these esteemed, CAEP accredited education degree programs in Missouri.
Related Resource: 20 Best Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education 2018