Early Childhood Education—Transfer Degree (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: Completion of this program will meet the Massachusetts Early Childhood Education Transfer Compact (some restrictions apply; check with your advisor or transfer planning services). This program qualifies for MassTransfer.* Transfer Agreements exists with Becker College, Charter Oak State College, Fitchburg State College, and the University of Phoenix.

Visit MWCC’s transfer planning services website: http://transfer.mwcc.edu.

3 Plus ONE eligible–go to: www.mwcc.edu/3PlusONE

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. 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.

Elective courses by abbreviation.

Program Competencies

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

1. Create an environment that is healthy, respectful, supportive, and challenging for each child.
2. Design, implement, and evaluate experiences that promote positive development and learning for every young child.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of developmental domains and content in early childhood curriculum.
4. Demonstrate experience in using developmentally effective approaches based on children’s ages, characteristics, and culture.
5. Explain and analyze the importance of creating respectful, reciprocal relationships that support and involve families in their children’s development and learning.
6. Demonstrate skill and knowledge in child observation, documentation, and effective assessment strategies that positively influence the development of children.
7. Conduct themselves as members of the early childhood profession, upholding ethical guidelines and professional standards related to early childhood practice.
8. Show ability to be a reflective learner who integrates knowledge from a variety of sources.
9. Engage in informed advocacy for children and the early childhood profession.

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.