Early Childhood Education

The children you work with thrive on the activity they find in their early care settings. Springfield College's School of Professional and Continuing Studies mirrors that energy in our authentic learning experience.

Our students tell us that the convenience of our program allowed them to continue working while earning their degree. What they found invaluable were the experiences they shared with Springfield College faculty and classmates. They also depended on the credits they earned for their trainings, which made graduating in 16 to 24 months possible.

Our early childhood education concentration is offered at all regional campuses.

Early Childhood Education Careers 

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the employment of early childhood education workers is projected to grow 10 percent, and 11 percent for child care center directors, from 2016 to 2026. This is a faster increase in employment growth than on average for all occupations.

A bachelor’s degree and experience in early childhood education are typically required to become a preschool and child care center director. In many regions, a bachelor’s degree is required in order to work as an early childhood educator or administrator. However, the educational requirements can vary by state. Some states or employers require workers to have a nationally recognized credential, such as the Child Development Associate (CDA). Springfield College awards 18 undergraduate credits to students who have completed requirements for the CDA.

Graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Human Services with a concentration in early childhood education can become:

• Early Childhood or Preschool Teachers

• Parent-child Educators

• Early Childhood Administrators

• Curriculum Development

• Training

• Management

• Employers may be private or public child care centers or preschools

• Organizations that offer childcare include employers, family child care centers, health clubs, religious centers

• Government centers employing early childhood educators include Head Start and Health and Human Services departments

The mission of the early childhood education concentration is to educate students to serve as high quality early childhood professionals. We educate students to support and validate parents and families, so that communities will be empowered to achieve social and economic justice.

We offer two tracks. The classroom-based track for students preparing careers in teaching, and the administrative track is for students preparing for administrative careers. A component of your learning will involve early childhood field experiences.

NOTE: The early childhood concentration does not lead to teacher licensure or certification. Prospective students who are interested in teacher licensure or certification are encouraged to contact the Department of Education of the respective state for information.

Download our brochure

Create Your Own Flexible Schedule

Choose a fully online early childhood education program or a hybrid program, which includes a mix of online and in-class courses.  Whichever you choose, we are prepared to support you. Please note that all concentration courses are delivered online.

Hybrid Evening Courses

These classes take place Tuesday and Thursday evenings (typically twice per month) and feature additional online coursework.

Hybrid Weekend Courses

These classes take place Saturdays and Sundays (typically twice per month) and feature additional online coursework.

Fully Online Courses

All coursework is completed online in a social and interactive learning environment.

In order to earn a bachelor’s degree with the early childhood education concentration, you must take the 12 required credits in early childhood education, plus an additional 12 credits in your chosen track (classroom-based or administration).You may take the required and elective courses at Springfield College, or transfer in courses from other regionally accredited higher education institutions. Credits also may be awarded through the experiential learning process.