Early Childhood and Care


Jobs in Early Childhood and related occupations will increase in numbers faster than average over the next decade. More than 62% of American children under the age of 5 "receive care from people other than their parents." (www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/earlychildhood)
Our children are our nation's most valuable resource. They need nurturing, educated, and capable people to care for them. Upon graduation, our students are qualified to fill a variety of professional positions, or to continue their professional preparation at the college level.
Minuteman Early Childhood and Care provides training in several child development centers both on and off Minuteman's campus. Students who successfully complete this course work will meet the requirements for the Massachusetts Early Educatin and Care Teacher Certification in preschool and infant-toddler areas. Qualified students may also be eligible for a nationally recognized certification, the C.D.A. (Child Development Associate) credential, upon successful completion of this program.
The student interested in the Early Childhood field should enjoy working with children, have a high energy level, be neat in appearance, possess a positive attitude, be friendly, creative and a good role model for children. The course English for the Entrepreneur is highly recommended. Course content all years - Total Quality Management
Freshman/Sophomore Year
Student Teaching Practicum I in a Child Development facility
  • Introduction to the Early Childhood field
  • Introduction to the Care and Education of the Preschool Child
  • Principles of Child Development I
  • Introduction to Parenting and Family Issues
  • Developmentally Appropriate Practices
Junior Year
Student Teaching Practicum II in a Child Development facility
  • Curriculum Design
  • Principles of Child Development I
  • Children's Literature

Senior Year
Continuation of a Practicum in an Early Childhood Program

  • Parent and Family Life Education
  • Infant and Young Toddler Care and Education
  • Foods and Nutrition Education

Related College Studies
Early Childhood Education, Child Development and Family Studies, Elementary Education, Special Education, Psychology, Early Intervention, Child Life Specialist, Social Work, Pediatric Nursing/Dentistry, Children's Library Science

Typical Job Opportunities
Preschool teacher in a Massachusetts Office for Child Care Services approved Early Childhood program, Nanny, Hospital Child Life Aide, Family Child Care Provider, School-Age Care Provider, Kindergarten Aide, Day Camp Counselor
Early Childhood Careers
  • Educate Young Children
  • Obtain Real Life Work Experience in Child Development Centers
  • Earn Office for Children Teacher Certification in Early Childhood: Birth through Pre-Kindergarten

Career Options

Your training opens doors in many related professions
  • Child Life Specialist
  • Pediatric Nurse
  • Child Psychologist
  • Physical/Speech Therapist
  • Children's Librarian
  • Social Worker
  • Nutritionist
  • Elementary School Teacher
College Options
2 Year
Brianwood College, Southington CT
Middlesex Community College, Lowell MA
Dean College, Franklin MA
Massasoit Community College, Brockton MA
Holyoke Community College, Holyoke MA
Northern Essex Community College, Haverhill MA
Housatonic Community-Technical College, Bridgeport CT
Massachusetts Bay Community College, Wellesley Hills MA
New Hampshire Technical College, NH

4 Year
Endicott College, Beverly MA
Framingham State College, Framingham MA
Keene State College, Keene NH
Lesley University, Cambridge MA
North Adams State College, North Adams
Pine Manor College, Chestnut Hill MA
Salem State College, Salem MA
Southern Vermont College, Bennington VT
University of Maine, Orono ME
Wheelock College, Boston MA