If you are employed in a state that uses a registry to track professional development hours, you will be able to provide your registry ID (Stars, MOPID, Registry or other ECE ID#) after you have completed the quiz for the course. If you pass the quiz we will report your course completion to the state registry using the registry ID that you provide.

Discover how to incorporate Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) into developmentally appropriate learning experiences for young children. Designed for early childhood professionals, this self-paced online course explores each STEM component through practical examples, engaging activities, and real-world applications. Participants will learn how to integrate STEM concepts into everyday routines, foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and create meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that inspire curiosity and support children’s cognitive development. Course length – 5.5 hours.

The course helps answer the following questions:

• How can the scientific method be used in early childhood education?

• How can I incorporate science into other areas of learning?

• What is technology in early childhood?

• What are some examples of simple machines in early childhood?

• What are some methods that you can utilize to help children develop basic engineering skills?

• How can we teach early math concepts to our youngest children?

Participants who successfully complete this course will be able to:

• Identify the five steps of the scientific method and describe how they can be used during age-appropriate science activities.

• Demonstrate an understanding of developmentally appropriate technology by selecting three appropriate technology experiences that support learning in an early childhood classroom.

• Plan at least two engineering activities that encourage children to explore, design, build, test, and problem-solve using everyday classroom materials.

• Recognize the major components of early childhood math by correctly matching or identifying at least three math concepts (such as counting, patterns, measurement, sorting, and number sense) on the post-assessment.

• Explain how shapes support early math development by identifying common geometric shapes and describing at least two ways they can be incorporated into classroom activities.