SMWC student teaching an elementary class

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Education: Preschool – Grade 3 Overview

Do you enjoy working with young children? Earning your Preschool – Grade 3/Mild Intervention degree from SMWC might be just what you’re looking for. While earning your degree, you’ll engage in a total of 82 credit hours of coursework throughout your college career. Throughout the program, you’ll learn skills in principles of teaching, understanding mild disabilities and early childhood administration. Through hands-on teaching experiences, including student teaching in the final semester of your senior year, and understanding real-world situations, earning a Preschool – Grade 3/Mild Intervention degree from SMWC can assist you in reaching your full potential in the education field. The P-3/MI Program is for students who want a dual license to teach in the public schools in the areas of preschool to grade 3 and mild intervention.

As you approach your completion of 75 credit hours, you will be required to demonstrate basic competency with qualifying SAT or ACT (including the essay writing section) scores, 3.0 cumulative GPA, 40 credit hours of completed coursework and the completion of one Tier 2 field experience. In this process, a Gateway I interview will be held to discuss your philosophy of teaching, what your teaching preference is and the dispositions you bring to the field.  For a complete list of the Gateway I requirements, view the Gateway I process-license track.

FAQs

What is a P-3/Mild Intervention degree?
The P-3/Mild Intervention degree is completed from a blended program that includes developmental courses with special education courses. The degree program is built for students who want a dual license to teach in public schools in areas of preschool to grade 3 and mild intervention.

Why get a degree in P-3/Mild Intervention?
SMWC has valued the field of education for years. By choosing to earn your degree at SMWC, you’ll engage in enriching class conversations, gain knowledge through learning outcomes that are aligned with up-to-date InTASC standards and apply your knowledge and skills through real-school experiences and settings.

SMWC possesses several advantages to earning your degree. From gaining knowledge from veteran educators in the field to engaging in various extracurricular and professional development experiences, SMWC gives students opportunities to grow academically and personally. Whether you choose to take online courses or prefer to be in-person, the small class sizes at SMWC gives students an enriching experience as you can build relationships with professors and engage in course conversations easily.

What can you do with a P-3/Mild Intervention degree?
Although earning an education degree often means you will work in the classroom, there are a variety of subjects and levels you can teach at. From applying your knowledge and teaching in special needs classrooms to engaging with young children from preschool to grade 3 in other classes.

What is the average annual salary of someone with a P-3/Mild Intervention degree?
As you look at starting salaries, keep in mind that the cost of living and opportunities to move with a career or industry sector should also factor into your decision. Although a salary can vary among different positions, the average salary for a P-3 teacher in Indiana is $37,770, according to Salary.com.

What support and resources are provided at SMWC?
The Learning Resource Center (LRC) provides exceptional, personalized learning resource services to encourage student success. The LRC offers help with a range of academic support services, including a writing center, tutoring, college success courses and more. 

Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is routinely ranked by US News and World Report among the Best Regional Universities in the Midwest and the Best Value Schools. Our departments are also routinely ranked for their individual degree programs.
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