Early Education and Care (Nonlicensure), Early Childhood Education, B.S.E.

Education

The Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education with an Early Education and Care Concentration for Early Educators will enable students to develop skills and competencies to foster the growth and development of young children, infancy to 8 years. This program carefully integrates theory, research, and practice with applied experiences in real-world settings. With connections to specialized special education coursework, students develop increased capacity to support diverse learners and their families.

The program is aligned with the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards and the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) Core Competencies. Graduates will find career opportunities in a range of early education and community-based settings such as child care centers, family child care providers, and out-of-school time programming. After completion of this degree, students can apply for certification through the State Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) as lead Teacher, Infant-Toddler Teacher, and Director Level 1.

Expected Outcomes

Graduates from the Early Education and Care Concentration program will be able to do the following:

• Describe, understand and apply child development principles and research to design environments, curriculum, and programming for young children.
• Design high-quality developmentally appropriate and engaging curriculum for diverse young children with and without disabilities.
• Create warm, nurturing, stimulating, respectful, and supportive environments for young children.
• Demonstrate knowledge of observation, documentation, and assessment, including its purpose and use in supporting individual child growth and learning.
• Engage families in the development and support of learning goals for young children.
• Participate as a professional in the field of early childhood education, including upholding NAEYC ethical and professional standards.
• Engage in continuous, collaborative and reflective learning to inform practice.
• Understand the role of teamwork, community engagement and the development of collaboration to foster positive outcomes for young children.

Major Requirements - 60 credits

Liberal Arts and Science Curriculum - 60 credits

Candidates in the EEC Concentration program will also fulfill Liberal Arts and Sciences  (LA&S) requirements as set forth by the university. These requirements include courses in: the Arts; Science, Math and Technology; Citizenship and the World; Global Diversity; and an Advanced Liberal Arts area of study. The speaking/listening requirement is met through the practicum. The computer literacy and Jr./Sr. writing requirement is met through the Capstone Seminar. A psychological science minor is encouraged, as the content and course work closely relates to the B-8 Concentration and would fulfill the Advanced LA&S Option B. Candidates are encouraged to take elective courses in sociology to deepen their knowledge base for working with diverse families, including dimensions of culture and poverty. The 60-credit total includes free electives needed to reach the total of 120 credits required for a bachelor degree.

Total Credits: 120