Early Childhood Education—Transfer Degree (ECT)

This program satisfies the requirements of the Massachusetts Department 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: A majority of 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 services). This program qualifies for MassTransfer (see page 45 for more information). For a complete list of transfer agreement options visit MWCC’s transfer services website: http://transfer.mwcc.edu and www.mwcc.edu/3plusone.

Special requirements: Satisfactory completion of the Communication and Literacy (CLST) section of the Mass Tests of Educator Licensure (MTEL) is required for transfer into a four-year educational program 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 in Early Childhood Education and meeting Massachusetts Department of Education teacher requirements, graduates can pursue careers as teachers in pre-kindergarten to grade two.

Earning potential: $43,580 to $48,690.

Program Competencies for ECC and ECT

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

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

Technical Standards* for ECC and ECT

* For general information about technical standards and accommodation, see page 66.

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

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