Early Education & Teaching
Program Description
Students in the Early Education & Teaching program study the fundamentals of human development up to age 8, with the primary focus on children under 5 years old. In addition to learning about growth and development, students also learn how to meet children’s developmental needs.
Curriculum planning for children under age 5 includes creating fun activities that foster children’s development. Students’ training follows state and national Early Childhood Education guidelines. Their preparation includes, among other topics, following health and safety practices, as well as fostering a culturally responsive classroom. Students will work directly in the field with children all 4 years in an early childhood setting.
This is a rigorous, college preparatory program for academically talented, technically oriented students who plan to matriculate to a competitive technical college or institute upon graduation from high school. All learners are challenged to meet high standards and high expectations while receiving the necessary supports for success. This program exceeds the state curriculum standards found in the Massachusetts Frameworks for Early Education & Care.
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- Career Opportunities
- Principles of Child Growth and Development
- Health and Safety in Early Childhood
- Types of Early Childhood Programs
- Soft Skills
- Positive Guidance
- Working with Parents & Families
- Professional Ethics
- Theorists
- Brain Development
- Special Education
- Assessments in Early Childhood
- Learning Environments
- Developmentally Appropriate Practices
- Curriculum Instruction, Lesson Planning & Design
- Culturally Responsive Care
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- Bright Horizons
- Goddard School
- Arlington Infant Toddler Child Care Center
- Magic Garden
- Knowledge Beginnings
- Lincoln Laboratory Childcare Center
Early Education Instructors
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- OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Safety
- Massachusetts Department of Early Education & Care Pre-School Teacher Certification
- Massachusetts Department of Early Education & Care Infant/Toddler Teacher Certification
- American Red Cross First Aid/AED/CPR Pediatric and Adult Certification
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- Child Life Specialist
- Children’s Book Author or Illustrator
- Children’s Librarian
- Early Childhood Center Director
- Early Intervention Specialist
- Family Child Care Provider
- Guidance Counselor
- Infant/Toddler and Preschool/PreK Teacher in an Early Childhood Center
- Kindergarten Paraprofessional
- Museum Educator
- Pediatric Health
- Private Nanny
- Public School Teacher
- School Age Care Provider
- Social Worker
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- Preschool Teachers: $43,750
- Early Education Teaching careers/Public School Teacher: 63,670
- Social Worker: $58,380
SOURCES: U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS
(Updated 12/8/24) -
- All 15 Massachusetts Community Colleges*
- Fisher College
- Keene State College
*DEPENDING ON AVAILABILITY OF CHOSEN MAJOR
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- Communities Unlimited
- Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School
- Goddard School (Lexington, MA)
- Lesley University
- LINCC
- Magic Gardens
- Mass Bay Community College