Currently Licensed Teachers
Currently licensed elementary (K-8) teachers can add a P-3 endorsement through our M.Ed. Early Childhood Education Option program. The degree can be completed fully online, and the curriculum is designed to meet
Degree Plan - M.Ed. Early Childhood Education Option
Currently licensed teachers who already hold a graduate degree in education or another field can complete our Early Childhood Education Graduate Certificate Program to obtain a P-3 endorsement without an additional advanced degree. Please complete an ECE graduate certificate program application if you are interested in this track.
Program of Study - ECE Graduate Certificate
Note: In addition to coursework, the Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) also requires the Praxis Early Childhood Education test #5025 for those seeking the P-3 endorsement.
Other Applicants
Individuals who do not have current K-8 licensure can complete an M.Ed. ECE Option degree for professional development, but this would not lead to a P-3 endorsement required to teach in public preschools in Montana. This option is a good choice for people working in community-based early childhood programs and referral agencies, as well as people working with young children and their families in fields such as psychology, social work, sociology, anthropology, pre-medical science, and nursing.
Degree Plan - M.Ed.-Early Childhood Education Option
If you do not have current K-8 licensure and want to earn a P-3 endorsement, you could pursue and M.Ed. With Initial K-8 Licensure and a P-3 minor. Some of the course requirements for the M.Ed. and the minor overlap.
All Applicants
All EDEC courses require a lab component in a qualifying P-3 setting. Professionals currently working in the early childhood field (preschool - grade 3 settings) will be able to complete most of their lab work in their current settings.
All students enrolling in the ECE option must complete a federal background check as part of their application. Information is available on the Admission page of our website.
Students must purchase or have access to a camera (or equivalent) to share videos that demonstrate their implementation of lab activities.
Contact Us
For Program Information:
Allison Wilson
Assistant Professor
Department of Teaching & Learning
allison.wilson@mso.umt.edu
For Admissions Information:
Teacher Education Services
edadvising@mso.umt.edu