Early Childhood Education Degree—Transfer Concentration (ECT)

This program satisfies the requirements of the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education Early Childhood Education Transfer Compact for transfer to a state college or university bachelor degree program (nursery school to grade 2). Preschool, kindergarten, and elementary school teachers play a vital role in the development of children, introducing them to numbers, language, science, and social studies. They facilitate student learning through interactive class discussions, educational activities, "hands-on" learning, and one-on-one assistance. The need for qualified teachers continues to grow because of retirements, increasing student numbers, and demands for smaller class sizes. Benefits of MWCC’s program include: day, evening, and distance learning options; day classes scheduled conveniently for parents of school-age children; opportunities to gain real world experience; and a strong liberal arts & sciences curriculum for more effective transfer.

Campus/format: This program can be completed during the day or evening at the Gardner Campus.

Transfer options: This program fulfills all requirements for the Commonwealth Transfer Compact (see pages 45-46). Completion of this program will meet the Massachusetts Early Childhood Education Transfer Compact (some restrictions apply; check with your adviser or transfer services). Joint Admissions agreements exist with state colleges and universities including Bridgewater, Fitchburg, Salem, and Worcester State, Mass. College of Liberal Arts and UMASS Amherst and Dartmouth. An Articulation Agreements exists with Charter Oak State College, Fitchburg State College, and the University of Phoenix. This program qualifies for the Franklin University Community College Alliance program (for management). Visit MWCC’s transfer services website: http://transfer.mwcc.edu.

Special requirements: Most four-year colleges and universities (including all Mass. public institutions) require satisfactory completion of the Communication and Literacy section of the Mass Tests of Educator Licensure (MTEL) prior to entrance to junior-level courses. The exam is NOT a prerequisite to enter MWCC's program. Students may be able to transfer into bachelor degree education programs, but may not be able to take upper-level education courses until they pass the exam. Technical standards must be met with or without accommodations.

Career options: After earning a bachelor’s degree and meeting Massachusetts Department of Education teacher requirements, graduates can pursue careers as teachers in Pre-kindergarten to grade 2.

Earning potential: $42,008 to $63,071 per year, for an entry-level teacher with a bachelor’s degree who has met Mass Department of Education requirements. Salaries increase substantially with experience and education level.

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Program Competencies

Upon graduation from these programs, students shall have demonstrated the ability to:

1. Establish and maintain a safe, healthy environment for children (birth through age eight) that encourages play, exploration, and learning.
2. Demonstrate success and experience in implementing activities that advance children’s physical, intellectual, social, and emotional competence appropriate to the developmental levels and learning styles of children.
3. Demonstrate success and experience in providing a supportive environment where children learn to get along with others, learn self-control, and practice appropriate and acceptable behaviors.
4. Explain, analyze and evaluate the importance of establishing and maintaining cooperative relationships with families that welcome diversity and encourage collaboration.
5. Demonstrate experience in record keeping, planning, communicating both oral and written, and participating as a member of a team.
6. Analyze career opportunities and individual strengths while developing job search skills and applying for Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) teacher or lead teacher certification.

Technical Standards*

*general information about technical standards and accommodation.

Students entering these programs must be able to demonstrate the ability to:

1. Comprehend textbook material at the 11th grade level.
2. Communicate and assimilate information either in spoken, printed, signed, or computer voice format.
3. Gather, analyze, and draw conclusions from data.
4. Work as part of a team, as in team teaching or parent meetings.
5. Function as a team leader, including planning curriculums and daily schedules.
6. Maintain cleanliness and personal grooming consistent with close personal contact.
7. Remain calm, rational, decisive, and in control at all times, especially during emergency situations.
8. Identify behaviors that would endanger a person’s safety, and intervene quickly in a crisis situation with an appropriate solution.
9. Exhibit social skills appropriate to professional interactions.
10. Function without causing harm to self or others if under the influence of prescription or over-the-counter medications.
11. Respond to distress sounds or visual distress cues of children and emergency alarms.