Early Childhood Education Degree Programs in South Dakota

There are several accredited education degree programs in South Dakota that provide a quality education for individuals hoping to teach pre-kindergarten through third grade. Early education degrees emphasize the stages of child development and how caretakers, teachers, and intervention specialists can support healthy social skills and learning habits in their students or clients. While these universities specifically prepare candidates for obtaining a teaching license in South Dakota, licensed teachers can easily obtain equivalent licensing in other states. Additionally, a degree in early elementary education qualifies graduates for roles outside of the school system like childcare worker or private caregiver.

Black Hills State University

School of Education

The School of Education at Black Hills State University (BHSU) has the distinction of being the largest accredited education degree program in South Dakota. With a high graduate placement rate of over 90 percent, the school fulfills its mission of training educators and professionals who are caring, competent, and confident. Throughout its 100-year history, the BHSU School of Education has evolved to create up-to-date and standards-based curriculum within its teacher education program. Today, the curriculum emphasizes culturally competent teaching practices for work within diverse classrooms and the integration of technology into coursework.

Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Special Education

This degree prepares graduates for work with children from birth through eight years of age. The program teaches strategies for working successfully with individual children and connecting with families to offer parents resources for a healthy home environment. The BHSU program has a unique focus on training candidates to be advocates for both atypical and typical children’s needs in the classroom. Coursework covers assessments in special education, programs for exceptional children, and effective teaching for children with severe disabilities. Students may gain experience through volunteering at the BHSU Little Jackets Learning Center, which provides care for the children of BHSU staff and students.

Accreditations

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
South Dakota Department of Education and Cultural Affairs
Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board

Contact

Education and Behavioral Sciences

1200 University Street

Unit #9004

Spearfish, SD 57799

(605)642-6550

Jean.osborn@bshu.edu

http://www.bhsu.edu/Academics/The-Colleges/College-of-Education-and-Behavioral-Sciences/Education

Northern State University

Millicent Atkins School of Education

The Millicent Atkins School of Education has a 100-year track record of training effective teachers for all age levels. Northern State University (NSU) education degrees are built on the principles of instruction, research, and service. Involved faculty model these ideals through individual care and guidance for each candidate. The small student body size of NSU means that no student falls through the cracks. Candidates are taught the latest tools and technology for use in their future classrooms and have a chance to practice these skills during student teaching. Education seniors may participate in NSU’s Rural Student Teaching Placement Project.

Minor in Early Childhood Education

NSU offers a minor in early childhood education making it an ideal accredited education degree program in South Dakota for candidates who are interested in working with multiple age groups. This 17-credit minor may be paired with either Elementary or Secondary Education majors. The minor covers curriculum and classroom issues for young students, and coursework includes Emergent Literacy, Social Development in Early Childhood, and Early Childhood Curriculum. Three student teaching credits must be completed in early education environments, and one of those credits must be fulfilled through kindergarten student teaching. NSU early childhood education minors will benefit from involvement with the on-campus Reading Clinic Practicum where they will tutor young children under the supervision of a literacy specialist.

Accreditations

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

Contact

1200 S. Jay St.

Aberdeen, SD 57401

1-800-678-5330

info@northern.edu

http://www.northern.edu/academics/school-education

South Dakota State University

College of Education and Human Sciences

The South Dakota State University (SDSU) College of Education and Human Sciences has a mission of providing excellent training to create qualified professionals. Other program goals are to discover and share new knowledge through research and to make connections and outreach opportunities between the school and outside programs. The College of Education defines excellence as meeting and exceeding established professional standards, encouraging both scholarly and creative activities, and fostering the development of reputable, sought-after graduates. Finally, SDSU education degrees promote advocacy in the hopes of contributing towards democracy and equity for all students.

Early Childhood Education (B.S.)

The early childhood education degree at SDSU has been ranked 14th in the country, making it a solid contender among accredited education degree programs in South Dakota. Students who graduate from the program are prepared for roles within school systems and out-of-school programs. The early childhood education degree has two concentrations: Birth through Age Eight and Cooperative Elementary Education. Birth through Age Eight specializes in younger children while Cooperative Education prepares candidates for teaching 1st-5th grade. Coursework focuses on childhood cognitive, physical, emotional, and social development in the classroom and family settings. Other emphases include the philosophy of educating young children and effective work within diverse communities and families.

Accreditations

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

Contact

1175 Medary Ave

Brookings, SD 57006

1-605-688-4121

Teresa.Telkamp@sdstate.edu

https://www.sdstate.edu/education-human-sciences

Each university program has strengths that will fit well with different career goals, but they all provide a solid foundation in understanding child development and creating teaching strategies for core subjects. Students who graduate from accredited education degree programs in South Dakota will be able to launch teaching and caregiving careers within the state, offering empathetic and culturally competent services to the young children in their care.