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.
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 Dean of the College of Education and Human Development at Madonna University. Since joining Madonna University in 2017, she has held progressively advancing leadership roles, serving as Director of Early Childhood Education and Graduate Literacy Programs, Chair of Teacher Education, Interim Dean, and now Dean. Prior to higher education, she held leadership positions in K–12 education at both the school and central office levels. She earned a Ph.D. in Reading Education, an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in School Administration, and a Master of Science (M.S.) in Early Childhood Education from Oakland University, along with a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Elementary Education from the University of Michigan–Flint. As Dean, Dr. Sharma provides strategic leadership for academic programs, accreditation, curriculum innovation, faculty development, and partnerships with schools, community organizations, and the Michigan Department of Education. Passionate about educational excellence, she is dedicated to preparing educators and leaders to meet the diverse needs of learners while advancing innovation, scholarship, and student success. Her scholarship and professional interests focus on literacy education, culturally responsive teaching, digital curation, the ethical integration of artificial intelligence in teaching and learning, educational technology, and online pedagogy. Most recently, she has led college-wide initiatives and professional learning on the effective and ethical integration of artificial intelligence in teaching and learning, collaborating with faculty and stakeholder committees to promote responsible, innovative educational practices. An accomplished scholar, Dr. Sharma has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and book chapters, including The Reading Teacher, Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, Reading Horizons, and Journal of Media Literacy Education. She has also contributed to national literacy reform initiatives through the International Literacy Association and has served in leadership roles with the Michigan Reading Association, including President, advancing literacy education at the state and national levels.
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
Dr. Les Sharon is the Director of Student Teaching and Program Director of the Master of Science in Transformational Educational Leadership at Madonna University. After serving as an adjunct professor, he joined the University full-time as an assistant professor. With more than 33 years of experience in K–12 education, Dr. Sharon has served as a special education teacher, general education teacher, Reading Recovery teacher, building principal, and district curriculum leader. He earned his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and holds endorsements in elementary and secondary administration, elementary education, and special education, including Cognitively Impaired and Learning Disabilities. His expertise spans instructional leadership, curriculum development, assessment, and educator preparation, equipping future teachers and educational leaders with practical, evidence-based strategies to improve teaching, learning, and student achievement. Dr. Sharon's research examines the role of status functions and language in curriculum implementation and effective school leadership. He also collaborates internationally with the Beijing Comparative Educational Institute and Xi'an University to provide professional learning opportunities for school leaders and educators throughout China.
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
Dr. Anne-Marie Sladewski is the Program Director for the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) program and Director of Assessment. She is an Assistant Professor in the College of Education at Madonna University, where she joined the full-time faculty in 2023. She earned her Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Administration, an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in Organizational Leadership, a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Special Education, and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Teachers of the Emotionally Impaired, Elementary Education, and Music Education. With years of educational leadership experience, Dr. Sladewski has served as an interim superintendent, executive director of special education, principal, assistant principal, and university faculty member. Her expertise spans special education, educational leadership, educator preparation, and preparing future educators and school leaders through practical, evidence-based strategies that promote excellence and inclusive learning environments. 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 is the Program Director for the Early Childhood Education Program. After serving as an adjunct professor for a decade, she joined the University as an assistant professor in 2025. She earned her Ph.D. in Early Childhood Education and holds a Michigan ZA Early Childhood Endorsement, Central Office Administration Certification, and a master's degree in Special Education with a Learning Disabilities endorsement. With more than 25 years of experience in early childhood and special education, she has served as a teacher, special education director, university faculty member, and educational leader. Her expertise includes early childhood development, literacy, inclusive education, teacher preparation, and professional learning. Dr. Donato is passionate about preparing future educators to create engaging, developmentally appropriate, and inclusive learning environments that support the success of every child. Her research and professional interests focus on early childhood literacy, differentiated instruction, inclusive educational practices, teacher preparation, and professional learning that advances equitable outcomes for young learners. Her work also includes curriculum development, educational leadership, and collaborative partnerships at the state, national, and international levels.
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.
