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Education with a Concentration in Early Childhood

  • Program Overview

    The licensure concentration in early childhood education meets the most recent regulations for licensure in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts: An education degree combined with a concentration in early childhood education (PreK-grade 2). The program has been approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Upon graduation, you will have completed all of the requirements necessary to receive an initial license in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and are eligible to pursue licensure in many other states. Students receive free preparation for the required Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) as part of the program.

    In addition to coursework that focuses on learning theories, concepts, and strategies for young learners, you will complete two internships in your freshman and sophomore years in a range of school settings, a sophomore and junior field experience connected to your literacy and English Language Learners education courses, followed by a junior year pre-practicum and senior year full practicum experience. Our director of field placements will work with you to secure field placements that allow you to explore your interests while gaining real experiences and building your resume.

    an early childhood education student looking at a kid's butterfly drawing
  • Curriculum

    Curriculum Requirements - Total Credits Required: 126

    First Year - Credits: 32

    • Science Elective (Cr. 6-8)
    • ED 010 - Communication and Literacy Test Prep Workshop (Cr: 0)
    • ED 101 - Introduction to Education (Cr: 3)
    • ED 102 - Curriculum Theory and Instruction (Cr: 3)
    • ED 111 - Clinical Field Based Experience I (Cr: 2)
    • ED 222 - Culturally Responsive Pedagogy (Cr: 3)
      Satisfies the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion General Education Requirement
    • ENG 111 - Critical Reading and Writing I (Cr: 3)
      Satisfies the Writing Designated Core requirement.
    • ENG 112 - Critical Reading and Writing II (Cr: 3)
      Satisfies the Writing Designated Core requirement.
    • HST 101 - Western Civilization I (Cr: 3)
      Or
    • HST 102 - Western Civilization II (Cr: 3)
    • MTH 116 - Mathematical Problem Solving (Cr: 3)
      Satisfies the Quantitative Reasoning General Education Requirement
    • PSY 200 - Child and Adolescent Psychology (Cr: 3)

    Sophomore - Credits: 32

    • ED 020 - Foundations of Reading Test Prep Workshop (Cr: 0)
    • ED 030 - Subject Matter Test Prep Workshop (Cr: 0)
    • ED 201 - Foundations of Reading (Cr: 3)
    • ED 203 - Inclusionary Practices in Educational Settings (Cr: 3)
    • ED 211 - Clinical Field Based Experience II (Cr: 2)
    • ED 213 - The Power of Play in the Classroom (Cr: 3)
    • ED 215 - Creative Arts in the Early Childhood and Elementary Classrooms (Cr: 3)
      Satisfies General Education Requirement above the 100 level
    • ED 230 - The Early Childhood Pedagogy of Reggio Emilia, Italy (Cr: 3)
    • ED 221 - Emergent Literacy Instruction (Cr: 3)
    • ED 290 - Topics in Education (Cr: 3)
    • ED 339 - Assessment for Learning (Cr: 3)
    • ED 389 - Research Methods and Project Paradigms (Cr: 3)
    • ENG 312 - Literature for Children (Cr: 3)
      Satisfies Literary Perspectives General Education Requirement
    • MTH 119 - Principles of Math for Elementary Educators (Cr: 3)

    Junior - Credits: 31

    • Aesthetic Awareness and Creative Expression General Education Requirement   (Cr: 3)
    • Global Issues General Education Elective  (Cr: 3)
    • ED 301 - Math Methods and Field Experience (Cr: 3)
    • ED 302 - Science Methods (Cr: 3)
    • ED 303 - Pre-Practicum Field Experience (Cr: 1)
    • ED 306 - Social Studies Methods (Cr: 3)
    • ED 308 - Early Childhood Methods (Cr: 3)
    • ED 329 - Literacy Methods (Cr: 3)
    • ED 330/330L - Sheltered English Immersion (Cr: 3)
    • ED 489 - Senior Research (Cr: 3)
    • ENG 226 - Early American History and Literature (Cr: 3)
      Satisfies General Education Requirement above the 100 level
    • POL 113 - American Government and Politics (Cr: 3)
      Satisfies the Individual & Society General Education Requirement

    Senior - Credits: 31

    • Values and Ethical Reasoning General Education Requirement   (Cr: 3)
    • General Education Electives  (Cr: 9) (Must be 200 level or above)
    • EC 400 - Senior Transition (Cr: 1)
    • ED 290 - Topics in Education (Cr: 3)
    • ED 401 - Practicum and Seminar in Early Childhood Education (Cr: 12)
    • ED 490 - Senior Thesis (Cr: 3)
      Or
    • ED 491 - Senior Capstone (Cr: 3)

    Science Electives

    Students must choose one course from each group

    Learning Outcomes

    Upon completion of the education program, students will:

    • Demonstrate the critical inquiry and analysis skills needed to engage constructively in intellectual discourse within the discipline.
    • Communicate effectively in written form following the academic conventions of the discipline. 
    • Document and exhibit pre-service competency on each of the Massachusetts Professional Standards for Teachers (PST)
    • Demonstrate subject matter knowledge in the liberal arts--literature, history, science, math, psychology, geography and government--in keeping with the characteristics of a "highly qualified teacher."  
    • Identify and demonstrate an understanding of the significant approaches, practices, and programs for developing reading skills and reading comprehension.

    View academic catalog and learning outcomes
  • Internships and Careers

    An Endicott education means you'll graduate with a degree and a resume.

    Whether you pursue graduate school or embark on your career right away after graduation, we believe that your time at Endicott will prepare you for the next step.

    View Internships and Careers

Fifth Year Master's and Endicott Fellows Program

As a graduate of the early childhood education program, you may apply to be an Endicott Fellow, completing a year-long fellowship on staff in a partnering school while receiving a tuition-free master's degree. Or, apply to complete a master's degree in education in one year of study beginning the summer after graduation.

Initial Licensure in Moderate Disabilities

If you choose to enroll in our early childhood or elementary education licensure programs, you will have the opportunity to complete courses and MTEL that lead to the Massachusetts license in moderate disabilities (PreK-8)