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 national and state early childhood education standards.

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 GoPro HERO 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: 

Department of Teaching & Learning
Teacher Education Services
April Holder
april.holder@mso.umt.edu  
406-243-6170