Early Childhood Education
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Admissions Contact
Graduate Admissions Are you an International Student? |
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Program Contact
Eileen Cyr The Office of Educator Prep and Licensure can help answer your teaching license questions. |
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Curriculum and Delivery
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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.
What job can I get with a degree in Early Childhood Education?
A master's degree in Early Childhood Education from Springfield College offers a multitude of rewarding career opportunities dedicated to shaping young minds. Graduates often become early childhood educators, teaching and nurturing children in preschool and kindergarten settings. You might also pursue roles as childcare center directors, where you oversee the operations of daycare and early learning centers, ensuring high-quality education and care.
Data is from the 2024 Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
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.
Preschool teachers work with children from different ethnic, racial, and religious backgrounds. Teachers include topics in their lessons that teach children how to respect people of different backgrounds and cultures.
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.
Elementary school typically goes from first through fifth or sixth grades. However, in some schools, elementary school continues through eighth grade.
Preschool and childcare center directors supervise and lead staffs, design program plans, oversee daily activities, and prepare budgets. They are responsible for all aspects of their center’s program, which may include before- and after-school care.
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.
- A transcript review of undergraduate and any prior graduate work is required prior to admission.
Admissions Requirements
- Complete the 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- $100 non-refundable International Application fee
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
