Early Childhood Education
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science with Teacher Licensure
| About This Program | |
|---|---|
|
Program Contact
Mark D. McCarthy The Office of Educator Prep and Licensure can help answer your teaching license questions. |
|
Curriculum and Delivery
|
|
| Graduate Success and Careers | |
| Paying for Your Education | |
|
Upcoming Events
Check back later for more events! |
|
Foster Curiosity and Growth.
As an early childhood education teacher, you’ll inspire the world’s youngest learners. In the Springfield College Early Childhood Education major, you will become licensed to teach students with or without disabilities in integrated public preschools, kindergartens, and first and second grades.
Students in this program major in psychology, which allows them to gain a thorough understanding of the process of child development and in-depth knowledge of how children learn, as well as the best teaching methods to employ to ensure student success. The preparation begins at the Springfield College Child Development Center, an on-campus child care facility for children ages 1-4. Students also will complete field experiences in integrated preschools, kindergartens, and first and second grade classrooms throughout their four years of undergraduate study.
Springfield College early childhood education graduates are in demand, both for the preparation they’ve received as well as for their commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.
What job can I get with a degree in Early Childhood Education?
A degree in Early Childhood Education from Springfield College opens the door to a fulfilling career nurturing young minds. Graduates can become preschool or kindergarten teachers, where you'll play a crucial role in children's early development and learning. Additionally, you can pursue roles as childcare center directors, overseeing programs and staff to create a positive educational environment.
Data is from the 2024 Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Preschool teachers educate and care for children younger than age 5 who have not yet entered kindergarten. They teach language, motor, and social skills to young children. Young children learn from playing, problem solving, and experimenting. Preschool teachers use play and other instructional techniques to teach children. For example, they use storytelling and rhyming games to teach language and vocabulary. They may help improve children’s social skills by having them work together to build a neighborhood in a sandbox or teach math by having children count when building with blocks.
Kindergarten and elementary school teachers help students learn and apply important concepts. Many teachers use a hands-on approach to help students understand abstract concepts, solve problems, and develop critical-thinking skills. For example, they may demonstrate how to do a science experiment and then have the students conduct the experiment themselves. They may have students work together to solve problems.
Teacher assistants also are called teacher aides, instructional aides, paraprofessionals, education assistants, and paraeducators.
Teacher assistants work with or under the guidance of a licensed teacher. Reviewing with students individually or in small groups, teacher assistants help reinforce the lessons that teachers introduce.
Teacher assistants may provide feedback to teachers for monitoring student progress. Some teacher assistants meet regularly with teachers to discuss lesson plans and students’ development.
