Early Education & Teaching
Life Sciences & Services Academy
Health, Hospitality & Human Services Pathway
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.
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.
Course Content
- Introduction to Early Childhood
- Career Opportunities
- Types of Early Childhood Programs
- Positive Guidance
- Working with Parents & Families
- Professional Ethics
- Theorist
- Principles of Child Growth and Development
- Special Education, Learning Environments, Child Safety
- Methods of Communication
- Developmentally Appropriate Practice
- Curriculum Instruction & Design
- Facilitating math, science and early literacy experiences
- Infant & Young Toddler Care & Education
- Entrepenuership
Career Tree: Early Education
Early Education Instructors
Jamie McDonough
Anne-Marie Merrill
Industry Certifications
- 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
Possible Career Pathways
- Child Life Specialist
- Children’s Book Author or Illustrator
- Children’s Librarian
- Children’s Photographer
- Early Intervention
- Entrepreneur
- Family Child Care Provider
- Hospital Child Life Aide
- Kindergarten Paraprofessional
- Museum Educator
- Pediatric Health
- Preschool Teacher in a MA
- Department of Early Education and Care Approved Early Childhood Program
- Private Nanny
- School Age Care Provider
- Social Worker
Salary
Massachusetts averages:
- Preschool Teachers: $43,750
National average:
- Preschool Teachers: $35,330
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
(Updated 1/1/23)
Employers Hiring Minuteman Graduates
- Bright Horizons
- Goddard School
- Arlington Infant Toddler Child Care Center
- Knowledge Beginnings
- Lincoln Laboratory Childcare Center
College Partners
- All 15 Massachusetts Community Colleges*
- Fisher College
- Keene State College
*depending on availability of chosen major
Advisory Committee Partners
- Arlington Children’s Center
- Communities Unlimited
- Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School
- Goddard School, Lexington, MA
- Lesley University
- LINCC
- Magic Gardens
- Mass Bay Community College
- Woods Edge Children’s Center