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The School of Arts, Sciences & Professional Studies > Education Department > Early Childhood Education
Early Childhood Education
How exciting to inspire our youngest learners! Our Early Childhood Education Majors become licensed to teach in integrated public preschools, kindergartens, and first and second grades. The preparation starts on campus at the Springfield College Child Development Center. Students work in pairs preparing and leading lessons in science to a group of twelve four and five year olds. Nothing is more thrilling than to witness the “aha” when a child discovers new ideas! Throughout the four years students complete field experiences in integrated preschools, kindergartens, first and second grade classrooms. The license for Early Childhood is inclusive of children with and without special needs.
Teaching young children is a career that calls for creativity, enthusiasm, and flexibility. Building on these qualities in our students, we guide them through a major in psychology in which they study children in depth. Child growth and development, learning theories, concepts and methods of assessing physical, emotional, intellectual and social development of young children with and without disabilities all combine with our education methods courses and fieldwork experiences to insure our graduates have the content knowledge and the pedagogy to teach in today’s early childhood classrooms!
As a primary (preK-2nd grade) teacher you will find that children learn through play and exploration. You will design learning environments that challenge children to think and make choices. You will be influencing children’s cognitive development during the most important years of their lives. Teaching in inclusive classrooms where children with and without disabilities learn together is demanding and rewarding. Early Childhood majors make a difference in the world!
Grads of our program are prepared to:
- (a) Plan Curriculum and Instruction.
- (b) Deliver Effective Instruction.
- (c) Manage Classroom Climate and Operation.
- (d) Promote Equity.
- (e) Meet Professional Responsibilities.
Description of Professional Preparation Curriculum
- Introduction to Education
- Introduction to Special Education
- Teaching Elementary Math to Young Children
- Foundation s of Multicultural Education
- Teaching Social Studies
- Methods of Teaching Reading
- Best Practices of Teaching Science
- Children’s Literature
- Early Childhood Practica (Two placements)
