Early Childhood Education

As infant/toddler and preschool teachers, these professionals work with young children on social, physical, and intellectual growth through arts and crafts, music, storytelling, shapes, and letters. They also teach the literacy and math skills needed to enter kindergarten. Most collaborate with coworkers, developing new techniques that combine engaging learning activities with hands-on lessons.

Other career paths include working directly with young children at different cognitive and socio-emotional levels. Some work as administrators or run their own daycare businesses.

Graduates of the Early Childhood Education program have the hands-on knowledge and skills to work confidently with young children in a variety of settings.

Mid-State’s program lets you work directly with teachers in early childhood educational settings and develop creative and educational activities within the teaching cycle. You’ll also learn of the physical, emotional, intellectual, and social development of children spanning infancy through school age as well as how to recognize typical and exceptional patterns of growth.

• Child Care Center Teacher
• Family Day Care Provider
• Early Head Start Teacher
• In-Home Child Care Specialist (nanny)
• Teacher Aide - Elementary School
• Teacher Aide - Exceptional Education Program
• Teacher or Teacher Aide- Nursery School Program

The instructors in the Early Childhood Education program bring the right balance of professional experience and teaching expertise to the classroom. Meet our full-time faculty!

APRIL M. HARTJES, MS

April has a master’s degree from UW-Stevens Point. She has worked as a service coordinator, special education teacher, and director of special education. April also teaches early childhood education classes for UWSP. To keep her technical skills and state teaching license current, she takes classes on current topics and trends in education.

“My thoughts on teaching are best summed up in the words of Dr. Suess: ‘You’re off to great places. Today is your day. Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way!’”

KELLY STEIDINGER, MA

Kelly earned her master’s degree from UW-Stevens Point. She is a passionate educator, advisor, and researcher who strives to use industry experiences to reinforce communication theories in both face-to-face and online class environments.

“I believe that when students come to Mid-State, they don’t just join a college, they join a community. I teach here because Mid-State gives every student an affordable, high-quality education.”