Early Childhood Education

St. Ambrose University offers a major in Early Childhood Education (ECE), which fulfills Endorsement 100 from the state of Iowa. This endorsement allows individuals to be licensed to teach children between the ages of 0 and 8 (birth through third grade) in a variety of settings such as preschools and primary elementary classes. ECE teachers are equipped to address the needs of all children--including those with disabilities and developmental delays--in one unified setting.

St. Ambrose University has its own early childhood learning facility, the Children's Campus, located on the corner of Marquette Street and West Lombard Avenue. The center enrolls children 6 weeks old to 5 years of age, and is licensed by the State of Iowa.

Degree Requirements

To acquire an Iowa early childhood endorsement to be licensed to teach children birth to grade 3 with and without disabilities, an applicant needs the following to complete a major in early childhood education:

Required Courses: EDUC 205 or 207, 284, 300, 301, 308, 309, 312, 371, 452; two of the following: EDUC 440, 441, 442; PSYC 105; SPED 310, 313, 314; ECSE 204, 311, 410, 420; COMM 325; ECE 303, 306, 350, 365, 380; KIN 210; a course in U.S. history or government; 6-7 semester credits in science (biology and natural science).

A minimum of 200 clock hours of pre-student teaching experiences in a school or agency setting at three different age levels (0-3 or 3-6 years or grades K-3) are required before student teaching. Early Childhood Education majors also must present evidence of current certification in infant, child, and adult CPR and first aid before the student teaching semester.

For More Information

Dr. Sallee Beneke, 563/333-6107

Dr. Brenda Boleyn, 563/333-6103
 
Debra Brownson, Children's Campus Director, 563/324-2312