Early Childhood Education Minor
On your way to your elementary ed major, but interested in teaching younger children as well?
If you add the early childhood education minor to your elementary education major, you will be qualified to teach preschool (age 4) as well as grades K-6. You will also learn additional skills for teaching 5-year-olds--which could help you land your dream job as a kindergarten teacher. This additional coursework gives you added flexibility at a time when employment of preschool teachers is projected to grow faster than the average for occupations.
Student Elementary & Early Childhood Association (SEECA)
Get to know your peers and gain insights into the world of both early childhood and elementary education through the Student Elementary and Early Childhood Association. These monthly events help prepare you for your future in teaching through networking, student and professional panels, volunteer activities and more.
Interested in an Early Childhood Education Minor?
Contact us directly at:
Advising & Teacher Education Success
SEC 151
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0608
Phone: 319-273-2751
Email: teachereducation@uni.edu
Courses and Endorsements
Courses
With the 17 additional hours required for this minor, you'll take classes that provide the knowledge and tools needed to be successful in teaching early childhood education.
- Guidance and Instruction in Early Childhood Education
- Development and Assessment of Young Children
- Child, Family, School and Community Relationships
- Early Childhood Curriculum Development and Organization
- Language Development and Emergent Literacy
- Experience in Early Childhood
Endorsements
This minor in early childhood education leads to the Iowa endorsement 103 (PreK-K) which is only for elementary education majors. This endorsement will demonstrate that you’ve gained an understanding and skills in developmentally appropriate preschool and kindergarten curriculum, instructional practices and observational assessment, as well as skills developing individualized educational plans (IEPs) which is helpful for future general education teachers like you.
Having this endorsement also leads to higher marketability, giving you more career opportunities as you enter the workforce!