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Jul 09, 2025
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2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Early Childhood Education - Birth to Grade 3 (B.S.)
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 Return to: Academic Programs - Majors, Minors, Certificates
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Program Coordinator/Contact
Heidi Sackreiter, Assistant Professor/ECE Coordinator
School of Education, Counseling and Human Development
Pugsley Hall 141
605-688-5039
Program Information
This program prepares professionals to work in educational settings with children in order to promote their cognitive, physical, emotional, and social development. Program content includes the theory and practice of working with children and their families and communities. In addition to being prepared to work in early childhood settings such as Head Start, preschools, and child care centers, those who successfully complete this specialization meet the requirements for a South Dakota Birth to age 8 Early Childhood teaching certificate which enables them to teach grades K-3. Completion of two student teaching experiences, one in a Pre-K or Kindergarten classroom and another in a first, second, or third grade classroom are required.
Accreditation
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) - SDSU Lab School only
South Dakota Department of Education
Certification and Licensure
- Completion of an approved teacher preparation program.
- Completion of an approved South Dakota Indian studies course.
- Pass the state designated content knowledge test or 2.7 GPA in content major coursework.
- Pass the state designated pedagogy test.
- Apply online with the South Dakota Department of Education.
- Written recommendation from institution of higher education (SDSU) verifying program completion.
Course Delivery Format
Courses in early childhood education are delivered face-to-face, online and hybrid (face-to-face and online combination). All ECE courses have practical applications in field experience settings in childcare and Pre-K-Grade 3.
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Teacher Education Program Progression Requirements
Acceptance into Teacher Education - A grade of “C” or better is required in education coursework (classes with AIS, EDFN, ELED, ECE, EPSY, or SPED prefixes).
- An overall GPA of 2.5 is required.
- A GPA in the academic major of 2.6 is required.
- Completion of program application and professional licensure location form.
Acceptance into Residency I - A grade of “C” or better is required in education coursework (classes with AIS, EDFN, ELED, ECE, EPSY, or SPED prefixes).
- An overall GPA of 2.5 is required.
- A GPA of 2.7 is required in both major and education courses.
- The teacher candidate must take the Praxis content exam.
- The teacher candidate is also required to complete a criminal background check with field placements, a TB test with negative reading, and CPR and first aid certification.
Acceptance into Residency II - A grade of “C” or better is required in education coursework (classes with AIS, EDFN, ELED, ECE, EPSY, or SPED prefixes).
- An overall GPA of 2.5 is required.
- A GPA of 2.7 is required in both major and education courses.
- The teacher candidate must take the Praxis PLT exam.
- Content methods instructor recommendation is required.
Academic Requirements
- A grade of “C” or better is required in education coursework (classes with AIS, EDFN, ELED, ECE, EPSY, or SPED prefixes).
- An overall GPA of 2.5 is required.
- A GPA of 2.7 is required in both major and education courses.
Requirements for Early Childhood Education - Birth to Grade 3 Major: 120 Credits
Bachelor of Science System General Education Requirements
College of Education and Human Sciences Requirements
Electives
Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements. Total Required Credits: 120
Notes
- Entry into the major academic courses in all ECE program tracks include passing scores in Praxis I: Core Reading (140), Writing (150), and Math (132). Students will work with their academic advisor for registering for the Praxis exams.
- A pre-graduate check is required 2 semesters before graduation semester. At the beginning of graduation semester, a graduation application must be completed.
- Students will be required to pass the PRAXIS content and Principles of Teaching and Learning exams in order to be considered a Highly Qualified Teacher.
Summary of Program Requirements
Bachelor of Science | | System General Education Requirements* | 31 Credit Hours | | College of Education and Human Sciences Requirements | 4 Credit Hours | | Major Requirements | 85 Credit Hours | | Electives** | 0 Credit Hours | *System General Education Requirements for students pursuing a baccalaureate degree shall include a minimum of 30 credit hours. Some general education coursework may be counted for Major Requirements and Supporting Coursework.
**Taken as needed to complete any additional degree requirements. Academic Advising Guide Sheet
The goal of the academic advising guide sheets and sample plans of study is to promote undergraduate student success by guiding all students to timely completion of an undergraduate degree. Students are not limited to the course sequence provided for their academic program. Instead, the sample plan of study is one possible path to completing your degree and is meant to be used as a guide for planning purposes in consultation with an academic advisor. The plans also help students prepare for meetings with their academic advisor and track their progress in their selected academic program. |
Return to: Academic Programs - Majors, Minors, Certificates
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