Associate in Science

Bedford Campus and Lowell Campus - Day and Evening

Program Description:

The Early Childhood Education Transfer Associate in Science degree program is designed to prepare a student to transfer into a bachelor’s degree program leading to teacher licensure. Students work with an academic advisor to create an individualized program in anticipation of selecting a major at the transfer institution. Supervised Student Teaching Seminar Practicum and/or Service-Learning placements in area schools provide practical experiences for future teachers, and support and enhance the teacher-preparation curriculum. This program qualifies for MassTransfer, which guarantees credit transfer to Massachusetts state universities and the University of Massachusetts.

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Career and Transfer Outlook:

This program is best suited for individuals who are interested in pursuing a career teaching Pre-K through second grade.

Helpful Hints:

Future teachers are encouraged to gain practical classroom experience and enhance their resume by completing Service-Learning placements every semester in K-2 school settings. Careful planning with an academic advisor will ensure that career goals and the state requirements for teacher licensure are met. It is suggested that students be familiar with the Early Childhood bachelor’s degree articulation agreements they seek to pursue.

Program Outcomes:

Graduates of the Early Childhood Education Transfer program are prepared to:

• Describe the needs and characteristics of young children;
• Explain the influences on development and learning;
• Analyze observation and assessment-tool information to assist children to develop and reach their potential;
• Understand the social, economic and cultural issues facing schools and families;
• Demonstrate knowledge to create healthy, respectful, supportive and challenging learning environments;
• Demonstrate in-depth critical knowledge of the theory and research relevant to the professional role(s) and focus area(s) emphasized in the program;
• Demonstrate competency in core content knowledge for second major in Liberal Arts and Science courses.

Special Requirements for Early Childhood Education Transfer Students Liberal Arts & Sciences Courses: In addition to meeting their early childhood or elementary education degree and core content knowledge area course requirements, students will be required to select a second major in Liberal Arts & Sciences. To prepare them for upper-level coursework in their major after transfer, students should complete 9 to 15 credits in the Liberal Arts & Sciences area of their choice at MCC. Additional coursework may be required based on college placement testing. Students are urged to meet with their academic advisor for proper course sequencing. Rationale for Recommendations: To be licensed as a public early childhood or elementary education school teacher in Massachusetts, the State Department of Education requires that students complete courses in several core content knowledge areas. Competency in all the areas must be demonstrated on the General Curriculum Test of the Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure (MTEL). Students are encouraged to complete courses in these areas prior to transfer. The Middlesex courses listed on the Early Childhood Education Transfer and Elementary Education Transfer program pages meet the core content knowledge area requirements.