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Early Childhood Education - Associate Degree Program

This course of study is designed to meet the ever-expanding needs for trained personnel in the field of early learning and childcare. Graduates of this two-year program will be prepared to work in non-public early learning environments such as: infant/toddler centers, family day care centers, group day care centers, nursery schools, private kindergartens, health care agencies, institutions, and other schools and organizations offering early learning programs and/or child care and family education services.

The curriculum is designed to meet the standards of the National Association for the Education of Young Children and the Massachusetts CCS categories of study, and will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the child care profession.

Formal instruction integrated with four semesters of fieldwork in early childhood settings, under supervision, will develop teaching qualities and skills. Completion of this practica will enable the graduate to fulfill CCS Lead Teacher employment requirements. Admission to the Early Childhood program, however, does not guarantee practicum placement. All accepted students must undergo a Criminal Offender Record Information or other check. Depending on the findings, the student may not be allowed to continue in the program of study.

Program Goals

The Early Childhood Education Program will produce graduates who:

1. Select and use appropriate communication strategies effectively to advocate and act on behalf of young children and their families.
2. Synthesize theory and practice in all areas of early childhood education to prepare meaningful programming for children and their families.
3. Identify and use multiple resources and strategies to meet early childhood education objectives in the field and use the resources and strategies effectively to accommodate differences in learning and ways of knowing.
4. Analyze content of materials and experiences for bias of all types, and work toward identifying, interrupting, and eliminating discrimination.
5. Evaluate programs, materials, and teaching strategies to develop professional behaviors that reflect best practices and appreciation of education as a dynamic social institution.
6. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
7. Conduct research from a variety of sources.
8. Are computer literate.

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Note: Fieldwork, Practicum, and employment applicants will be required to pass a CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) and SORI (Sexual Offender Record Information) check.

A current Red Cross ChildCare First Aid/CPR Certificate is required for graduation. Please forward a copy of the Certificate to the School of Continuing Education Office for placement in your academic file.

Upon the successful completion of requirements of this program, the degree of Associate in Science in Early Childhood Education will be awarded.

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