Early Childhood Education

“I have had the most caring and engaging professors for early childhood education. They truly do care about their students. They are very willing to meet with their students outside of class and help whenever possible. They teach from experience and keep their classes fun and engaging!”
Josie Phipps, Class of 2021

Studying Early Childhood Education at Weber State

Weber State University's early childhood education program allows students to earn their Utah PreK-3 teaching license.

The program's national accreditations with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) ensure the highest standards of teacher preparation for students.

Early Childhood Education Highlights

Nearly 100% of our graduates are employed in their field, ready to make a positive impact in classrooms.

The program's blended learning model pairs flexible online coursework with in-person fieldwork, student teaching, and hands-on experiences at the Melba S. Lehner Children’s School.

The stackable credentials design results in the Early Childhood Educator certificate in your first year and an Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood in your second year. These credentials increase your earning potential while continuing your studies.

Tailor your degree with the Utah Early Childhood Coaching Certificate and Utah Early Childhood Mental Health Endorsement.

Beyond the Classroom

You will have opportunities for observations and hands-on application of what you learn throughout the ECE degree programs, working with children in a variety of settings from birth to third grade age span, supporting your interests to meet your career goals. Through WSU's Building Puentes program, you can begin your studies entirely in Spanish, and as you progress, you’ll transition into bilingual or English courses.

Loveena Winkelkotter

Class of 2023

"I grew up in a dysfunctional family with a very low socioeconomic status and my love for education helped me build a better life for myself. I want to give children who are growing up in similar situations the academic and social-emotional education they deserve, one that will enable them to reach their own goals of success. My education has empowered me to provide my students with a high-quality, developmentally appropriate education."

Abrie Loomis

Class of 2021

“I am loving Weber and can’t wait until I can live this dream I’ve had for so long to be a teacher. I currently work in the daycare/preschool, and I love it!”

What You’ll LEARN at Weber

You’ll discover your strengths while working with children in pre-K through primary grades, laying the foundation for academic success. You’ll build trusting relationships and master robust instructional strategies that spark children’s curiosity to unlock the power of reading, math, and science, while partnering with families to support children as their first and most important teachers.

What You CAN DO After Weber

Upon graduation, you will earn a Professional Education License to teach PreK-3rd grade. Our graduates are highly sought after and typically find teaching positions in public, charter, and private schools, teaching young children in the primary grades. If you have questions, contact a WSU Career Advisor.

Faculty Perspective

ECE students gain so much confidence when applying what they are learning in the classroom with children and I get to guide and support them in this journey.

Carrie Ota

It's really rewarding to see our students build confidence, lear how to support young readers, and apply what works in the classroom as they grow into successful teachers.

Gina Cook