SVSU's Early Childhood Education program offers a strong foundation in special topics and critical issues relating to early childhood. In later semesters, students have the opportunity to pursue curriculum and assessment courses and even language development. Life as an Early Childhood Education major includes superb in-class instruction and two internships that nudge students towards a deeper understanding of what it means to be an advocate for the most vulnerable.
Early Childhood Education
Early Childhood Education
SVSU > College of Education OLD > Teacher Education: TE & ETD
About
Students in the Early Childhood Education program are trained to encourage curiosity, creativity and imagination as they support and serve children during their most formative years. This nationally recognized program focuses on building both individual, group and familial relationships within a classroom setting and exploring alternative ways to reach and connect with all children. With SVSU's low student-to-faculty ratio and special emphasis on equipping educators with a strong combination of theoretical and practical knowledge—graduates are uniquely qualified to work with children from birth to eight years of age. Students who enroll in the Early Childhood Education major have the opportunity to gain new ideas from observing current best practices and engaging in their own hands-on experiences via unique field placements in both urban and rural settings. Through the pursuit of an education degree at SVSU, students don't just make a difference in a child's earliest educational experience—they transform children into dreamers and explorers.
Cardinal Points
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Students in Early Childhood Education experience 100% job placement upon graduation!
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SVSU offers specific scholarships for education majors.
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Students complete two internships to gain experience working in director or supervisory roles, toddler programs, childcare programs and community agency positions.
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SVSU's Early Childhood Education Program is Nationally Recognized by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
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SVSU hosts the Annual Educator Leadership Institute, a three-day conference, which consists of a wide range of workshops and speakers focusing on the K-12 education system.
Other Programs of Interest
Beyond The Books
Early Childhood Organization (ECO)
ECO offers networking in the field of early childhood education while also advocating for the interests of early childhood education and providing service to the community, particularly families of children age eight and younger.
Study Abroad
Students have the opportunity to study abroad and learn about other cultures and education systems.
Literacy Center
A state-of-the-art facility, with the latest technology, designed to assess a student's reading strength and challenges, build individualized lesson plans and foster motivation for reading.
Our Students After Graduation...
Employers
Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (MMCAA)
Anchor Bay School District
Michigan Child Care Inc.
Memphis Community Schools
Island City Academy
L'Anse Creuse Public Schools
Faith Lutheran Childcare
Saginaw Public School District
Bangor Township Schools
Warren Consolidated Schools
Chippewa Nature Center
Mecosta-Osceola ISD
Holly Schools
Hastings Community Schools
Marshall Schools
Career Opportunities
Preschool Teacher
Elementary School Teacher
Elementary Education Teacher (With Elementary Teaching Certification)
Classroom Teachers in State-Funded GSRP Preschool Classrooms
Lead Teachers for State-Funded Local Nature Centers
Directors of Early Childhood Childcare and Afterschool Programs
Program Coordinators for Early On (Michigan's Birth to 3 Early Intervention)
Lead Faculty in Federally Funded Head Start and Early Head Start Programs
Trainers for Great Start Resource Centers Supporting Licensed Childcare Providers
After Graduation
- ‑1 % projected growth for employment of kindergarten and elementary school teachers through 2033. (U.S. Dept. of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025)
- $62,340 median yearly pay for elementary school teachers, except special education, in May 2024. (U.S. Dept. of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- $61,430 median yearly pay for kindergarten teachers, except special education, in May 2024. (U.S. Dept. of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- 4 % projected growth for employment of preschool teachers through 2033. (BLS, 2025)
- $37,120 median yearly pay for preschool teachers in May 2024. (U.S. Dept. of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics)
With a bachelor’s degree from SVSU’s Early Childhood Education program, graduates qualify to teach in preschool, kindergarten, and elementary classrooms—and can advance toward leadership roles such as principalship or superintendency.