Mission Statement

Pathways to Play strives to build partnerships with families and communities, in order to provide high quality early childhood education and care that contributes to children’s social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development.

Program Philosophy

We believe that children learn best through play and exploration of their environment. Positive play experiences, with a variety of hands-on activities and social interactions with adults and peers, fosters the development of young children and helps them to understand the world around them.

We believe in developing the curriculum to fit each child’s individual needs and promote creativity in young children. We strive to provide an environment rich in meaningful play experiences that allow children to have fun while they learn; we know that children learn best when they want to learn, their natural curiosity is encouraged, their minds are actively engaged, and they can build self-confidence by mastering new skills.

We believe that inclusive environments build self-esteem in young children. Building trusting relationships with families and communities contributes to the inclusiveness of the program, and has a positive impact on children’s early learning experiences. Our team of early childhood professionals develops curriculum and classroom environments that provide countless opportunities to foster children’s social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development.

At Pathways to Play Early Learning Center (PTP), we believe that young children’s play is meaningful and the most important way that they process new ideas and experiences. We build partnerships with families to offer high-quality care.

General Information

The center is licensed by the State of Minnesota (DHS Rule 3), and it serves children 6 weeks through 11 years of age. We are nationally accredited through NECPA and have a Four-Star Parent Aware rating. Our program has received multiple awards for support of military families, and offers military discounts to show our appreciation for all of our men and women serving our country. PTP is located at 1815 Bromley Ave, South St. Paul, MN, 55075. The center is open year round with the exception of major holidays and three workshop days per calendar year. Center hours are 6:30 a.m.- 6:00 p.m., Monday-Friday. Breakfast, lunch, and snack are provided by the center in family-style dining. Please contact us at          651-414-0857 or visit our website at www.pathwaystoplay.org for more information.

Pathways to Play Leadership Team: Kelly Sadlovsky, Ph.D. (Owner), Elisabeth Amirahmadi, M.A. (Owner), Amanda Naumann, B.A.(Director), Nicol Hamiltion, B.A. (Executive Office Manager), Sam Kaminski, B.S. (Assistant Director & Toddler Coordinator), Sam Schack, M.A.Ed.(Accreditation Specialist & Professional Development Coordinator), Sheena Erickson, B.S. (Admin Support Team & School-Age Coordinator), Tracy Werner, B.A. (Admin Support Team & Infant Coordinator), and Alison Todd, A.A.S. (Admin Support Team, Lead Teacher, & Safety/Supply Coordinator)

In addition to owning Pathways to Play Early Learning Center, I am also the Chair for the Department of Graduate Teacher Education at Concordia University, St. Paul (CSP). I am the Coordinator for our M.A.Ed. with emphasis in Early Childhood program, and I am proud to have many Concordia graduates and students working and/or interning at Pathways to Play. We do have other interns and externs on board from other colleges, and we enjoy meeting new students through this process. I am including some information about Concordia’s early childhood programs that meet the need of students with different educational goals. CSP offers a variety of programs on-line for active practitioners in the field, but also offers traditional programs on campus (both licensure and non-licensure programs). Feel free to ask additional questions in the chat room, as one of my goals as the owner of Pathways to Play is to foster both professional and educational growth in our community.

Dr.Kelly Sadlovsky

Kelly Sadlovsky, PhD | Chair, Department of Graduate Teacher Education & Coordinator, MAED- Early Childhood 

phone: 651-592-9117 | email: sadlovsky@csp.edu

M.A.Ed.- Early Childhood

Overview

Professional practices in the field of early education focus on strategies and best practices, rooted in theory and philosophy, supported by research. Students who earn their master’s in early childhood education will interpret, evaluate and apply research and theory related to all areas of early childhood education. Courses taken while obtaining the degree in early childhood education address the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards for advanced professional preparation.

Master of Arts in Education – Early Childhood is a non-licensure teaching program.

To be considered for admission, program candidates need to be employed, or regularly volunteering, in the area of education with children.

This information along with more specific details about the program and courses can be found at

http://online.csp.edu/academics/master-of-arts-in-education-early-childhood-education

B.A.- Child Development

Overview

Students will learn developmentally appropriate practices, and focus on advocacy and leadership in the field of early education. Program courses address the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards for initial professional preparation. Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

• Articulate the theories in the field of early education that support best practices.
• Define developmentally appropriate practices.
• Articulate the role of families as the primary teachers, caregivers and models in the lives of young children.
• Create inclusive and effective learning environments for young children.
• Develop a framework for making ethical decisions as an early childhood professional.
• With this early childhood development degree, students will be able to explain major developmental theories of ECE.

To be considered for admission, program candidates need to be employed, or regularly volunteering, in the area of education with children.

This information along with more specific details about the program and courses can be found at

http://online.csp.edu/academics/bachelor-of-arts-in-child-development

Overview

B.A.- Early Childhood Education

Majoring in Early Childhood Education at Concordia University, St. Paul involves the study of pedagogy, or the method and practice of teaching. You’ll develop the skills and insights to become an effective early childhood educator and lifelong learner. Concordia offers specializations in Birth-Grade 3 Early Childhood Education, Child Learning and Development or Parent and Family Education. You’ll gain knowledge and skills that are important for any teaching career as you take 64 credit hours towards a Bachelor of Arts degree, and the early childhood education curriculum meets the Minnesota Department of Education requirements for a teaching credential (passage of standardized examinations of content and pedagogy are also required).

You’ll also have real opportunities to learn in a series of classes, field experiences and student teaching opportunities that make for an effective blend of theory and practice. Because we design our early childhood education program to be responsive to the exact needs of the marketplace, it will be a relevant degree if you’re considering a career as an early childhood education administrator, early childhood teacher, elementary school teacher (Pre-K through 3 grade), parent educator or early childhood family education educator.

The Teacher Education program at Concordia has been the pride of Concordia for nearly 60 years. It is widely recognized for excellence in its programs, faculty, staff, and candidates, and regarded as among the finest in the state of Minnesota and in the Concordia University System. The program is fully accredited by the National Council of Accreditation for Teacher Education (continuously since 1969) and the Minnesota Board of Teaching. Because of Minnesota’s rigorous teacher licensure standards, students graduating from Minnesota’s colleges and universities are favorably regarded nationwide.

This information along with more specific details about the program and courses can be found at

https://www.csp.edu/academics/early-childhood-education-major/  

Early Childhood Education with Kindergarten Endorsement

Students who complete this major are eligible to apply to the Minnesota Department of Education for a teaching credential for children birth through grade 3. Passage of standardized examinations of content and pedagogy are also required.

This information along with more specific details about the program and courses can be found at

https://www.csp.edu/academics/early-childhood-education-major-kindergarten-endorsement/

of Arts degree, and the early childhood education curriculum meets the

Associate of Arts- Early Childhood Education

Overview

The program focuses on the knowledge and skills teachers need to meet the emerging standards for early childhood educators working with children from birth to Grade 3, while meeting the training requirements of the Child Development Associate (CDA) National Credentialing Program.

Twelve credits from the list of the Early Childhood classes below will complete the Early Childhood emphasis. Twelve or more credits can be chosen from the following:

Satisfies 12 elective credits in the B.A. in Child Development program Certificate classes:

• CHD310 Growth and Development of Children – 4 credits
• CHD330 Best Practices in Early Childhood – 4 credits
• CHD320 Role of Early Childhood Educator – 4 credits

Satisfies 12 credits in the B.A. in Child Development program:

• CHD435 Developmentally Appropriate Practices in ECE – 3 credits
• CHD440 Children’s Play and Learning – 3 credits
• CHD430 Infants and Toddlers – 3 credits
• CHD445 Language Development/Literacy – 3 credits

This information along with more specific details about the program and courses can be found at

http://online.csp.edu/academics/associates-degree-in-early-childhood-education

Certificate in Early Childhood Education

Overview

Children come to us in all different types of shapes, sizes and behaviors. Therefore, it is very important for Early Childhood Professionals to continue educating themselves in order to be more proficient in their line of work.

Students earning this certificate will not only gain insight in the growth and development of children, but will also learn the best practices in early childhood. Additionally, they will study the historical and present role of adults within the field of early childhood educators.

Participants may take one class, to explore a topic, or all the courses in a series to complete a certificate. There are no prerequisites to register for these classes, and students have the option of earning semester college credits or non-credit.

This information along with more specific details about the program and courses can be found at

https://www.csp.edu/academics/certificate-in-early-childhood-education/