Early Childhood Education | Springfield College

Early Childhood Education

Master of Education
About This Program
Admissions Contact

Danielle Clough
Associate Director of Graduate Admissions
(413) 748-3729 
dclough@springfield.edu
Make an appointment

Are you an International Student?
Please contact intladmissions@springfield.edu 
Make an appointment

Program Contact
Curriculum and Delivery
  • 32-credit program
  • Courses offered on campus in Springfield, Mass.
  • Students may opt to pursue licensure only
  • Gain the knowledge, skills and dispositions needed to provide all young children (from preschool through second grade) the kind of early education they deserve
  • Receive a continuum of teaching strategies in order to support the learning and development of all children
  • Course requirements
Start Dates and Duration
  • Start in September (fall semester), January (spring semester), or May (summer semester)
  • Courses are offered full or part time
  • Complete in 2 years
Paying for Your Education
Career Opportunities
Upcoming Events

Graduate Open House
Tuesday, March 26 at noon or 5:30 p.m.
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Tips and Pointers for Applying to Graduate School
Monday, April 29 at 6 p.m.
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Primary school students sitting in an art classroom drawing together

The MEd in Educational Studies: Early Childhood Education at Springfield College provides in-service and pre-service Early Childhood teachers with the skills to create learning environments that support young people in their physical, academic, and social-emotional development.

The program offers a combination of courses for teachers who work with students in grades PreK through grade 2. The program is designed to lead to the initial license in Early Childhood Education. All students entering the program are required to meet the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education licensure regulations, including completing a practicum experience split between grades PreK through kindergarten and grades 1 and 2.

Graduates can assume teaching positions in public schools, child care programs, private preschools and kindergartens, early intervention programs, family support and home visiting programs, and inclusive early childhood settings. 

All of the Springfield College educator preparation programs have undergone a rigorous review process and have been recognized by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as approved programs. In order to ensure the quality of our graduates, we have numerous standards in place. These include requirements for admission, standards for practicum placement, and exit requirements.

“The Early Childhood Education Program provided me with new educational strategies that I can implement in my classroom. It has also helped me understand those strategies, laws on education, and parent engagement tools.” Ariana WIlliams, Graduate Class of 2024
Ariana WIlliams - Springfield College

How to Apply:

Education Requirements

  • Each course has a field-based component (this is usually 15-20 hours a week in a school).
  • A bachelor’s degree in liberal arts, sciences, or an interdisciplinary major prior to admission is required.
  • transcript review of undergraduate and any prior graduate work is required prior to admission.

Admissions Requirements

  1. Complete the FREE online application: Once your application form is processed you will receive an email with your application portal login credentials and instructions for submitting supplemental materials as listed below.
  2. Essay: In two to three double-spaced pages, please describe significant life experiences that have contributed to your interest in your field, your understanding of this field, your occupational objectives, and why you have chosen Springfield College. 
  3. Resume: Please include any college activities, out-of-school leadership experiences, work history, and community involvement to support your interest in or qualifications for graduate study. 
  4. Two letters of recommendation: Two letters of recommendation from a faculty member or direct supervisor: Recommenders will receive an email when you submit your application and will be able to upload your letter to your application.
  5. Transcripts: An official transcript from each college/university you have attended is required. In order to be considered official, transcripts must be received directly from the original source, by email to graduate@springfield.edu or mailed to the college address: 

Springfield College
Office of Graduate Admissions
263 Alden Street
Springfield, MA 01109

International Applicants

In addition to the above admissions requirements, all international applicants from non-English speaking countries are required to submit:

  • Proof of English language proficiency by way of the TOEFL or IELTS: Other tests may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Please refer to our language requirements for more information on acceptable tests, minimum scores, exemptions, and conditional acceptance. If your undergraduate degree was earned in the United States and you successfully completed college-level English, we will consider English language proficiency met.
  • Please note: Transcripts must be in English. If the transcript is not in English you will be required to submit a professional credential evaluation completed by any member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). For this we recommend SpanTran, with its customized portal for Springfield College applicants. World Education Services or Josef Silny & Associates, Inc. are also recommended for your credential evaluations.

The Office of International Admissions can assist you with questions you may have about enrolling at Springfield College as an international student by emailing intladmissions@springfieldcollege.edu.

Application Deadlines

Domestic Students:

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as space is available.

International Students:

Fall

  • Application and Supporting Materials Deadline: May 1

Spring

  • Application and Supporting Materials Deadline: October 1

Summer

  • Application and Supporting Materials Deadline: February 1

Fellowships & Scholarships

Let us help you make your graduate education as affordable as possible.

Student Employment

Work on our campus to earn money while pursuing your graduate degree.

Employee Partnerships

Employees of our partnerships are eligible to receive a $5,000 or $10,000 partner grant.