Bay College and Northern Michigan University have partnered to create a new 3+1 transfer pathway for students pursuing a career in early childhood education. From left are Bay College President Dr. Nerita Hughes and NMU President Chris Olsen.

ESCANABA — Bay College and Northern Michigan University have partnered to create a new 3+1 transfer pathway that expands access to high-quality, flexible education options for students pursuing a career in early childhood education.

It is now easier for those earning an associate of applied science in early childhood education to complete a bachelor’s degree in the same discipline, with the potential to add a birth-to-kindergarten teaching certificate.

The pathway was developed collaboratively by faculty and academic leadership from both institutions. 

“This partnership reflects a shared commitment to meeting the unique needs of our early childhood workforce. Bay College’s ECE program is built around flexible, accessible learning for working professionals,” said Tammra Houseman, coordinator for Early Childhood Education at Bay College. “NMU embraced that model with the 3+1 transfer pathway. By allowing students to complete their coursework virtually and their student teaching locally, we effectively bust through the barriers of traditional teacher prep. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue strengthening Michigan’s early childhood workforce by expanding our graduates’ access to a bachelor’s degree and making it possible for them to remain rooted in the communities they love and serve.” 

With supervised field placements and internships included in each degree path, the combination of online learning and authentic, hands-on experience gives students a solid foundation in the knowledge and skills needed to teach and support young children. Additionally, as the agreement itself notes, “teacher candidates who complete the program requirements can seek certification for the birth to kindergarten grade band as identified by the Michigan Department of Education.” 

Bay College’s Early Childhood Education program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and is Michigan’s only Competency-Based Education teacher preparation program. This model allows students to progress at a more flexible pace and master essential teaching skills and competencies. These features make the program especially appealing to those already working in the field, Bay states in a news release.

“This is what transformation looks like — our institutions coming together to remove obstacles and create opportunity,” said Dr. Nerita Hughes, president of Bay College. “Through this articulation agreement, we are redefining access, strengthening our talent pipeline, and elevating the impact of early childhood education across the Upper Peninsula.”

“I’m pleased that Northern can collaborate with Bay College, a fellow U.P. institution of higher education, on this exciting 3+1 teacher preparation program,” said Dr. Chris Olsen, president of NMU. “Being new to Northern, I was impressed to learn that this program uses a competency-based education model that offers credit for prior learning, a fact that will be attractive to many adult learners who now seek a bachelor’s degree in education. That the program also offers potentially significant cost savings as well as streamlined access to NMU resources are great benefits to students who enroll.”

“I am excited for students to have access to this pathway, which allows them an affordable way to build their credentials in the field of early childhood education. We know there is an ongoing need for high-quality educators and caregivers in our region and beyond, and this partnership allows students to enhance their credentials and increase their earning potential,” said Dr. Jessica Van Slooten, dean of Arts and Sciences at Bay College.

Questions about the 3+1 teacher preparation program agreement between Bay College and NMU can be directed to Van Slooten via email at jessica.vanslooten@baycollege.edu or by calling 906-217-4054.