When it comes to accredited early childhood education degree programs in Oklahoma and other states, the research is clear. Several reports have found that children who attend pre-school programs are better behaved and have higher IQ scores than children who do not start school prior to Kindergarten. The children also show improved social skills, better grades and enhanced attention spans. Students who complete early childhood education are more likely to graduate from high school, attend college and are less likely to engage in crime than those who do not attend such programs.
In 2016, there were over 4,500 early childhood teachers in Oklahoma, earning an average salary of $32,010 per year. Nationwide, there were more than 478,500 early education teachers, earning an average salary of $28,790 per year. Positions in the field are expected to grow by 10 percent, which is faster than for other industries. The growth is expected as more states implement early childhood programs in an effort to improve graduation rates, college acceptance rates and student success.
Although some states do not require a college degree to become an early childhood teacher, there are states that require at least a two-year degree, while some require a four-year degree. For this reason, accredited early childhood education degree programs are becoming increasingly important. To see more accredited early childhood education degree programs in Oklahoma, visit Early Childhood Education Degree Programs in Oklahoma (A-R.)
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
School of Education and Behavioral Sciences
The mission of the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences is to provide students with an environment of academic excellence that helps them succeed in their chosen careers. Students are challenged with rigorous curriculum and exemplary teaching. Students gain the knowledge and skills they need to become leaders in their profession. The school works to optimize the learning environment, retain a student-centered focus and provide service leadership in education as well as behavioral sciences.
Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education
Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s School of Education and Behavioral Science offers an accredited education degree program in Oklahoma designed to create elementary teachers. Students may choose to concentrate their studies in early childhood in order to work with children prior to Kindergarten. Courses focus on how to instruct young children in a variety of subjects. Students learn about children’s literature and storytelling as well as mathematics for elementary students. Students must also complete a student teaching semester in order to receive the degree. Upon completion, students are able to seek certification in early childhood education in the state of Oklahoma.
Master of Early Intervention Child Development
Southeastern Oklahoma University offers an online Master of Early Intervention Child Development degree. The degree is designed for working adults who may have factors that prevent them from attending traditional classes. Students develop an understanding of the administrative aspect of education. Students gain an understanding of school finance as well as how to develop curriculum for the youngest students. There is also instruction on school law and operations management. Students also expand their knowledge in regulations along with how to provide services to a diverse population in order to lead others in instructional methods. Students may also concentrate their studies in Management or in Leadership.
Accreditation
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
Contact
Southeastern Oklahoma State University
425 West University Boulevard
Durant OK 74701
Telephone: 1-580-745-2000
Website: https://www.se.edu/eil/early-childhood-education/
Bachelor’s:
Master’s: http://www.se.edu/dept/gus/files/2010/01/EICD-Plan-of-Study.pdf
Southern Nazarene University
College of Humanities and Education
The College of Humanities and Education at Southern Nazarene University helps students pursue their dreams. The college offers programs taught by highly-qualified faculty and a history of success for graduates. The School of Education at the College of Humanities and Education provides students with courses that lead to certification in nine different areas. Students may take specialized courses and are able to participate in extensive observations as well as field experiences that provide them with hands-on learning.
Early Childhood Education Degree
The School of Education through the College of Humanities and Education at Southern Nazarene University offers an accredited early childhood education degree program in Oklahoma that prepares students for a wide range of teaching opportunities. Students gain a broad knowledge in teaching with a focus on the needs of young children. All programs at the university include a strong foundation in Christian beliefs. Students are immersed in experiences that prepare them for diverse classroom settings. Because all students must complete student teaching semesters, they receive hands-on, real-world experience so they are better prepared to instruct the youngest students in school settings. Students may also work with the School for Children, the only state-accredited private laboratory school in the state. Students are able to observe teachers and students from their very first semester at the university.
Accreditation
- Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Contact
Ms. Pam Beals
Administrative Assistant
Office of Educator Preparation
SNU School of Education
Herrick 109
6729 Northwest 39th Expressway
Bethany OK 73008
Telephone: 405-717-6267
Email: pbeals@snu.edu Website: http://snu.edu/Websites/snuokc/images/Degree_Plans/Early_Childhood_Education_4_Year_Plan.pdf
Southwestern Oklahoma State University
School of Behavioral Sciences and Education
The School of Behavioral Sciences and Education at Southwestern Oklahoma State University includes several academic units that offer undergraduate and graduate degrees with focuses on subjects like education, kinesiology, psychology and social work as well as parks and recreation. The Department of Education provides students with the tools they need for certification as teachers in the state of Oklahoma.
Elementary Education
The School of Behavioral Sciences and Education offers an accredited bachelor’s in early education degree program in Oklahoma with an early childhood education option. Students are able to identify, illustrate and utilize principles of teaching at the elementary level. Students develop humanistic qualities such as empathy, flexibility and an understanding of diversity. Students are able to identify, illustrate and utilize sound teaching principles as well as exhibit skills in communication, world culture, social issues, scientific discovery, creative arts as well as an appreciation of the arts. Graduates are able to demonstrate empathy, flexibility and concern toward students regardless of their culture or background. Students are able to use current trends and demonstrate professional ethics in all interactions with students. Students must apply for admission to all elementary programs and this is normally done during their sophomore year.
Early Childhood Education – Master of Education
The university offers a master’s degree in early education that prepares students for leadership roles in education. In order to enter the degree program, students must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in elementary education, early childhood education or special education. A teaching certificate in one of these areas is also accepted for admission. The degree is designed to help students move into leadership roles in early childhood education. Students study play methods and materials as well as how expressive arts benefit small children. There is instruction on language development, the development of infants and toddlers as well as how to explore and guide the world of young children.
Students must also complete a graduate capstone experience during their final semester.
Accreditation
- Higher Learning Commission
- National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education
Contact
Southwestern Oklahoma State University
100 Campus Drive
Weatherford OK 73096
Telephone: 580-774-3285
Email: education@swosu.edu
Website:
Master’s: http://www.swosu.edu/resources/catalog/pdfs/graduate/gradaute-catalog.pdf
The University of Oklahoma
Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education
The Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education prepares students to be leaders in the area of education. Students are provided outstanding instruction by highly-qualified faculty. The college is consistently ranked in the top 10 percent of Colleges of Educations in the country. Students are provided strong academic and financial support. Programs are offered in renovated Collings Hall where students learn in state-of-the-art, expanded classrooms.
Early Childhood Education Undergraduate Degree
Students who enjoy working with young children and plan to work in institutes that focus on teaching preschool will find the accredited early education degree program in Oklahoma offered through the Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education at the University of Oklahoma prepares them for their career. Students learn in a good mixture of traditional classroom and hands-on experiences and must complete 100 hours of tutoring and observing at the local elementary school level. Upon completion of the degree program, students are eligible for certification in the state of Oklahoma. The program focuses on professionalism in the teaching profession and provides students with the skills necessary to lead in the school setting. Students develop the skills to understand and comprehend the needs of children. They are aware of the unique relationships teachers have with their students. Graduates are also prepared to demonstrate knowledge in subjects they must teach to young children.
Master’s in Early Childhood Education
The Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education focuses on leadership roles in education. Graduates are prepared to accept leadership roles and many have found careers as mentors, administrators and researchers. Students gain a strong understanding of children and how they learn. Students must complete 12 hours in Teaching and Learning, Cultural Diversity and Research. Students must also complete 21-24 credit hours in a concentration. Concentrations available include:
- Early Childhood Education
- Elementary Education
- English Education
- Instructional Leadership that includes Integrated Arts Education
- Mathematics Education
- Reading Education
- Science Education
- Secondary Education
- Social Studies Education
- STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics Education
Students may choose from either a thesis or non-thesis option.
Doctoral Degree
The doctorate program in early childhood education at the University of Oklahoma is designed for those who wish to enter administrative roles or work in research facilities related to education. Courses required include:
- Curriculum Theory
- Proseminar in Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum
- Theoretical Issues in Instructional Leadership in Academic Curriculum
Students must also complete 36 hours in concentration courses. The concentration shapes thematic issues within the program with an emphasis on a specific program area. Concentrations available include:
- Early Childhood Education
- Elementary Education
- English Education
- Instructional Leadership that includes Integrated Arts Education
- Mathematics Education
- Reading Education
- Science Education
- Secondary Education
- Social Studies Education
Students must also complete 12 electives as well as a dissertation.
Accreditation
- Higher Learning Commission
- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
Contact
Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum
820 Van Vleet Oval, Room 114
Norman OK 73019-2041
Telephone: 405-325-0311
Website:
Bachelor’s: http://checksheets.ou.edu/16checksheets/earlychd-2016.pdf
Master’s and Doctorate: http://www.ou.edu/education/ilac/graduate/early-childhood-education.html
University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma
The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma understands that learning takes place beyond the classroom. The school was founded in 1908 as a woman’s institution, the Oklahoma College for Women and was the first college created by the first legislature in the state. It has the oldest original mission to educate the entire student and encourage personal development through public service.
Early Childhood Education
Students who have a desire to educate young children will benefit from the accredited early education degree program in Oklahoma. The program is designed to meet certification standards of the Oklahoma state Department of Education. Students are qualified to receive an Oklahoma teaching certificate in early childhood education, making them eligible to teach pre-Kindergarten through third grade. Students in the program focus on human relationships they develop with young children, learning how to observe and participate in the guidance of the students in their classroom. Students are provided experiences with children in both the public and private school settings. They have an opportunity to work in the USAO Child Development Center which is an on-campus preschool, giving students the hands-on experience they need to succeed in classrooms after graduation. Courses center on liberal arts, professional education as well as early childhood educational areas. The wide-range of subjects prepares graduates to be effective teachers. Students are eligible for certification in the state of Oklahoma upon graduation.
Accreditation
- Higher Learning Commission
- American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education
- American Council on Education
Contact
Donna Gower
Director of Teacher Education
Associate Professor & Chair for Education and Speech Pathology
University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma
1727 West Alabama Avenue
Chickasha OK 73018
Telephone: 405-574-1253
Email: dgower@usao.edu
Website: https://usao.edu/academics/majors-and-minors/early-childhood-education.html
University of Central Oklahoma
College of Education and Professional Studies
The College of Education and Professional Studies at the university of Central Oklahoma offers 23 undergraduate and 28 graduate majors. The college has a long history of preparing teachers for leadership roles. It is one of the largest teacher preparation institutions in the state of Oklahoma. Students are taught by highly-qualified faculty who are leaders in their field. Students receive personal attention and care with a one-on-one approach to education.
Early Childhood Education
The bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education at the College of Education and Professional Studies at the University of Central Oklahoma is an accredited early childhood education degree program in Oklahoma that prepares students to teach young children. It is part of the oldest educational preparatory school in the state, the Territorial Normal School which opened in 1890. The school opened 17 years prior to Oklahoma’s statehood.
Courses focus on skills that are used to educate young students. Students gain an understanding of language development and emergent literacy as well as intervention practices to improve the outcomes of students who may have additional learning requirements. Students learn how to guide small children and how to keep them safe, healthy and well-fed. Creative arts and relationships with parents are also stressed throughout the program. Students are qualified for an Oklahoma Teaching License upon graduation. Students must complete a residency and are eligible to teach grades Pre-Kindergarten through third grade. Students must be accepted into the program and acceptance is separate from admission to the university. Students are also able to gain hands-on experience through community organizations such as the Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum, Association for Childhood Education International, National Association for the Education of Young Children and the Oklahoma Education Association.
Early Childhood Education Master of Education (M.Ed.)
The Early Education Master of Education program is an advanced program of study focused on educating students from birth through age eight. Students are prepared for leadership roles in education as well as for positions in research. Students gain an understanding of the development of children, learning theory and appropriate educational experiences. The program focuses on developmentally appropriate education of young children, starting at birth through age eight. The program emphasizes the whole child while also promoting the benefits of research in the education field. Students gain a scientific foundation related to cognitive development and the methods used to help young children learn. Students gain an understanding of assessments, how sociocultural differences relate to learning and how play improves the child’s learning ability in the classroom setting. Students must maintain an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher and have no more than six hours with a grade of “C.”
Accreditation
- Higher Learning Commission/North Central Association of College and Schools
- Council for Accreditation of Education Preparation
Contact
University of Central Oklahoma
100 North University Drive
Edmond OK 73034
Telephone: 405-974-2000
Website:
Bachelor’s: http://sites.uco.edu/academic-affairs/files/ug-catalog/degree-sheets/ceps/early-childhood.pdf
Graduate:
Carlie Wellington
Box 106, EDU 216
Telephone: 405-974-5105
Email: cwellington@uco.edu
Website: http://sites.uco.edu/graduate/files/majorsheets/ed-early-child.pdf#Early Childhood
With growing evidence that early childhood education has important benefits for young children, the need for those who have completed accredited early education degree programs in Oklahoma will also grow.
