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What is early childhood education (ECE)?

To enhance and improve the development of children from birth thru age 8 in academics and social behaviors by teaching infants through 3rd grade using best practices that are guided by child development milestones.

Why early childhood education at OSU?

We empower teacher candidates to nurture the holistic development of children ages 0-8 by cultivating meaningful relationships, providing play-based learning opportunities, and implementing developmentally appropriate practices.  Faculty model innovative teaching strategies in the model classroom and teacher candidates actively participate in diverse, embedded field experiences resulting in teacher candidates entering the workforce confident and ready to better the lives of students and families they work with.

 

Career Paths

Teach in public or private schools or community settings, such as:

  • OK Certified Teacher Prek-3rd grade
  • Early Childhood Specialist
  • Early Care Educator
  • Early Childhood Education Advocate
  • Early Childhood Extension and Non-Profit Work

 

Highlights

Experiential Learning

Practice real-world educational techniques in an inclusive classroom setting within our on-site model teaching classroom and nationally accredited child development lab.

Explore the Cleo L. Craig Child Development Lab 

Field experiences

Early childhood education OSU student at work in the CDL

 

Accelerated Master's Program

Earn both an early childhood education bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years through our accelerated program.

 

 

Student Perspective

Abby Boatright

“The ECE program at Oklahoma State has been nothing short of transformative. The professors pour their hearts into every lesson, genuinely caring about the future of education. It’s not just about the knowledge, it's about building a community of passionate educators who support one another every step of the way. The connections I’ve made here, both with my peers and the faculty are ones I will cherish forever.”

- Abby Boatright
Early childhood education graduate

College of Education and Human Sciences

Student support

Scholarships

 

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