MARSHALL — Southwest Minnesota State University’s Early Childhood Education Program has been ranked No. 1 in Minnesota by Plexuss Global Rankings.

In an effort to streamline the many college rankings each year, Plexuss.com created Plexuss College Rankings. In addition to gathering rankings of several sources, the site includes what it considers the most reputable ranking sources in order to create its own ranking system. Its methodology incorporates input from students, education partners, data scientists, employers, parents and high school counselors.

“Being ranked No. 1 in the state in Early Childhood Education is great news for the program and the university,” said SMSU President Kumara Jayasuriya. “These are challenging times for teachers and education in general, and we are proud of the fact we graduate students who are ready to become classroom leaders when they leave SMSU.”

SMSU Early Childhood Education Program graduates are prepared to provide developmentally appropriate activities for infants, toddlers, preschool and primary grade children. To learn more about the Early Childhood Education Program and the many employment options associated with the degree, go to: https://bit.ly/2P9SndZ.