Elevate your practice and strengthen your knowledge of teaching and learning in the disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), with an emphasis on children in preschool through third grade. The concentration in Early Childhood STEM will provide you with the latest methods for ensuring that all young children start off on a strong STEM learning trajectory. The courses you will take will give you the necessary grounding in how children explore, play, and communicate about the natural and human-made world around them.

This is a one-of-kind program with courses developed by Early Math Collaborative and other Erikson departments as well as STEM education professionals in the field.

The program curriculum is aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) recommendations, as well as federal initiatives (Committee on STEM Education and National Science and Technology Council) to include preschool in STEM education reforms.

This concentration prepares you to seek the Illinois Gateways to Opportunity Early Care and Education (ECE) Level 5 Credential through the Entitled Route.To earn this credential, you will need to complete the appropriate Gateways applications and provide documentation of professional experiences and contributions.