Early Childhood Education (BS)
"History will judge us by the difference we make in the everyday lives of children." - Nelson Mandela
"History will judge us by the difference we make in the everyday lives of children." - Nelson Mandela
The Early Childhood Education major prepares pre-service teachers to become knowledgeable and skilled educators and advocates for young children from birth to age eight, by coupling theories of child development and practical experience. In addition, standards from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the State of Michigan Early Childhood Standards of Quality are incorporated as students learn to plan and assess environments, materials, activities, and interactions that will facilitate children's emotional, social, cognitive, and physical development.
In combination with the Elementary Education major, the Early Childhood Education course work meets the State's requirements for a Michigan Elementary Standard Certificate in the endorsement areas of Early Childhood B-K (ZN), PK-3 (ZO), and Upper Elementary 3-6 (ZP).
Our comprehensive program prepares you for a rewarding career nurturing young minds and making a lasting impact.
Gain the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in a variety of educational settings, including traditional roles like Elementary School Teacher and Preschool Teacher, as well as specialized areas such as Child Development Services, Day Care Provider, and Parenting Education.
Madonna's Early Childhood Education degree also opens doors to opportunities in Residential Child Care, Hospital Child/Family Specialist roles, and even State Program Reviewer positions, offering diverse pathways to advocate for and support the healthy development of children.
Become a champion for early learning and empower the next generation with a degree from Madonna University!
In Madonna's Early Childhood Education program, you'll be immersed in learning developmentally appropriate ways to educate young children, ages birth through eight years. Personalized attention from instructors and university supervisors, who are dedicated to your growth, will help you learn to plan and assess environments, materials, activities, and interactions that support children’s emotional, social, cognitive, and physical development. Rich experiences in classrooms will support your coursework so that you’ll grow confident in your teaching practice. Madonna’s Early Childhood Education program affords you a wealth of opportunities to prepare for a successful teaching career.
"I am currently working as Bilingual Kindergarten Teacher in Dearborn Public Schools.
I chose Madonna University because of the small class sizes and family atmosphere that surrounded the university. I liked that I could go to any teacher that I had and be able to speak to them on a personal level because no matter how much time had passed since I was in their class, they were always able to remember me and my situations. This made it easy for me to take chances in my education and really help me discover who I am, not only as a person, but as an educator as well."
Learn to support the growth and development of children from birth through age four, through developmentally appropriate practices that can be leveraged in a variety of careers. Combine your passion for working with children with our highly experienced faculty to explore research-based coursework supported by opportunities in the field.
With a focus on infants and toddlers birth through age three, this three-course (9 semester hour) certificate will give you a well-rounded understanding of how best to support the growth and development of our youngest learners.
Interim Dean, College of Education and Human Development
Professor
B.S. University of Michigan – Flint
M.S. Oakland University
Ed.S. Oakland University
Ph.D. Oakland University
734-432-5785, 2230D
Dr. Sue Ann Sharma is the Interim Dean of the College of Education and Human Development at Madonna University. Previously she served as the Graduate Education Chair for the Education Division of the College of Education and Human Development. Her career in higher education was preceded by extensive leadership experience in education at school and central office levels. Additionally, she has state-level leadership as the President of Michigan Reading Association.
Passionate about educational excellence, Dr. Sharma is dedicated to preparing teachers to address the diverse needs of learners. Her commitment extends to developing instructional literacy leaders, contributing to the future of education. As an advocate for literacy, she has actively served on the International Reading Association's Literacy Reform Task Force and Michigan Reading Association Board of Directors.
Sharma's academic pursuits focus on early childhood education, culturally responsive pedagogies, digital curation, and online teaching and learning. Through her research, she aims to advance knowledge in these critical areas, contributing to the ongoing evolution of effective educational practices. A respected figure in academia, Dr. Sue Ann Sharma continues to inspire and shape the educational landscape, leaving an indelible mark through her leadership, research, and commitment to fostering excellence in teaching and learning.
B.S. State University of New York at Cortland
M.S. Central Michigan University
732-432-5654, 2230B
Tess Kelly is the former Placement Coordinator for the College of Education at Madonna University. She has also served as an adjunct faculty in the Teacher Education, Early Childhood, and Children and Families programs.
B.S. Northern Michigan University
M.A. Eastern Michigan University
Ed. S. Wayne State University
Ph.D. Eastern Michigan University
734-432-5334, Room 2230F
Les Sharon is the Director of Student Teaching and of the Masters of Science in Transformational Educational Leadership and the Director of Student Teaching. His professional background includes thirty-three years in K-12 education as a special education teacher, general education teacher, Reading Recovery teacher, and building principal. His work focuses on the formal preparation of future educational leaders that will someday transform struggling schools into effective, high-achieving learning communities that meet the needs of all students. He received his Ph.D in Educational Leadership from Eastern Michigan University and holds endorsements in elementary and secondary administration, general education (K-8 all-subjects), and special education including cognitively impaired and learning disabilities.
Dr. Sharon’s research interests include examining the role status functions play in school organizations as they relate to curriculum enactment as well as role of language in effective school leadership. He works closely with the Beijing Comparative Educational Institute and with colleagues at the Xi’an University to provide educational opportunities for school leaders and teachers all over China. Dr. Sharon served as an adjunct professor before joining Madonna University full-time as an assistant professor.
B.S. Central Michigan University
M.A. St. Joseph University
Ed.S. Oakland University
Ed.D. Michigan State University
asladewski@madonna.edu
734-432-5651, 2230H
Anne-Marie Sladewski is the Program Director for the ASD, LD, EdS, and EdD programs and is an Assistant Professor in the College of Education. She joined the full-time faculty of Madonna University in 2023. She received her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Michigan State University. Experienced professor and school-based and central office administrator with a demonstrated history of success and leadership in higher education.
Her research interest includes collective responsibility of educational partnerships and improved learner outcomes.
B.A. University of Michigan - Dearborn
M.Ed. University of Michigan - Dearborn
Ph.D. Oakland University
Dr. Anne Donato holds a doctorate in Early Childhood Education, with a primary emphasis on differentiated instruction. Her passion lies in literacy efforts that provide inclusion of all students into the world of reading. In addition to teaching, Dr. Donato has taught, lobbied, consulted, and advocated for early childhood education for over 25 years, in both the private and public sectors, including NAEYC and at the international level.
S. Wayne State University
S. Oakland University
D. Oakland University
Dr. Deborah Teolis is an adjunct in the College of Education and Human Development. Her professional background includes PK-12 education as a special education teacher, general education teacher, and building principal to hire education early childhood teaching. She received her Ph.D. in Early Childhood Education from Oakland University and holds Michigan Professional Teaching certificate with a Special Education endorsement and School Administrator certificate.
