Early Childhood Education | Springfield College

Early Childhood Education

Major
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science with Teacher Licensure
About This Program
Program Contact

Stephanie R. Logan
Department Chair and Associate Professor
Department of Education
(413) 748-3356
slogan2@springfield.edu

The Office of Educator Prep and Licensure can help answer your teaching license questions.

Curriculum and Delivery
Career Opportunities
Paying for Your Education
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An education student working with a child in an on-campus program.

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.

Students share what sets the Springfield College education programs apart.

Education in Action

Make your mark on the world through one of Springfield College's education and teacher licensure programs. You’ll help shape the next generation by inspiring the minds of early childhood, elementary, and secondary education-aged students, including learners who have a diverse range of skills and personalities.

At Springfield College, getting classroom experience isn't reserved for your student teaching experience. We encourage active learning experiences that help you develop your skills and comfort level. Sound like something you'd be interested in?

What job can I get with 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
$37,130
Median Salary
4%
Job Projected Growth
23,300+
Job Projected Openings

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
$63,670
Median Salary
1%
Job Projected Growth
11,500+
Job Projected Openings

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
$35,550
Median Salary
1%
Job Projected Growth
8,200+
Job Projected Openings

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.


Early Childhood Education program at Springfield College

John Cipora, EdD, assistant professor of Early Childhood Education, shares his perspective on what makes the Early Childhood Education program so special at Springfield College. The fully online program offers flexibility combined with rigorous learning. Cipora believes that the students who are attracted to the program already have the mindset that they are there to provide an essential service to children and their families. 

Incoming first year Springfield College students participate in June Orientation on Alden Street
Core Curriculum

Our curriculum is designed in faithfulness to the Springfield College mission and to further strengthen the Humanics philosophy of educating students in spirit, mind, and body.

Student at the Learning Commons
Career Center

The Career Center’s mission is to educate, inspire, and empower students and alumni to effectively make well-informed career decisions. The staff is committed to student learning and development, and offers a variety of opportunities and programming for students and alumni.

The Academic Success Center offers readily and easily accessible services including support in writing, mathematics, science, subject area tutoring, learning strategies and time management counseling, and assistance for students with documented disabilities.
Academic Success Center

The Academic Success Center offers readily and easily accessible services including support in writing, mathematics, science, subject area tutoring, learning strategies and time management counseling, and assistance for students with documented disabilities.