Program Overview

The licensure concentration in early childhood education meets the most recent licensure regulations in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts: an education degree combined with a concentration in early childhood education (preK-grade 2). The program has been approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Upon graduation, students who complete the licensure concentration requirements will receive Endicott College's endorsement for teaching licensure. Additionally, graduates must pass all required state-mandated MTELs to receive their license.

In addition to coursework that focuses on learning theories, concepts, and strategies for young learners, you will complete two internships in your freshman and sophomore years in a range of school settings; a sophomore and junior field experience connected to your literacy and English Language Learners education courses; a junior-year pre-practicum experience; and a senior-year full practicum experience. Our director of field placements will work with you to secure field placements that allow you to explore your interests while gaining real-world experiences and building your resume.

Curriculum Requirements - Total Credits Required: 125

First Year - Credits: 32

  • Science Elective (Cr. 6)
  • ED 010 - Communication and Literacy Test Prep Workshop (Cr: 0)
  • ED 101 - Introduction to Education (Cr: 3)
  • ED 102 - Curriculum Theory and Instruction (Cr: 3)
  • ED 111 - Clinical Field Based Experience I (Cr: 2)
  • ED 222 - Culturally Responsive Pedagogy (Cr: 3)
    Satisfies the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion General Education Requirement
  • ENG 111 - Critical Reading and Writing I (Cr: 3)
    Satisfies the Writing Designated Core requirement.
  • ENG 112 - Critical Reading and Writing II (Cr: 3)
    Satisfies the Writing Designated Core requirement.
  • HST 101 - Western Civilization I (Cr: 3)
    Or
  • HST 102 - Western Civilization II (Cr: 3)
  • MTH 116 - Mathematical Problem Solving (Cr: 3)
    Satisfies the Quantitative Reasoning General Education Requirement
  • PSY 200 - Child and Adolescent Psychology (Cr: 3)

Second Year - Credits: 32

  • ED 201/201L - Foundations of Reading (Cr: 3)
  • ED 203 - Inclusionary Practices in Educational Settings (Cr: 3)
  • ED 211/211L - Clinical Field Based Experience II and Lab (Cr: 2)
  • ED 213 - The Power of Play in the Classroom (Cr: 3)
  • ED 221 - Emergent Literacy Instruction (Cr: 3)
  • ED 230 - The Early Childhood Pedagogy of Reggio Emilia, Italy (Cr: 3)
  • ED 235 - STEM for Educators (Cr: 3)
  • ED 339 - Assessment for Learning (Cr: 3)
  • ED 389 - Research Methods and Project Paradigms (Cr: 3)
  • ENG 312 - Literature for Children (Cr: 3)
    Satisfies Literary Perspectives General Education Requirement
  • MTH 119 - Principles of Math for Elementary Educators (Cr: 3)

Third Year - Credits: 31

  • Aesthetic Awareness and Creative Expression General Education Requirement   (Cr: 3)
  • General Education Elective  (Cr: 6)
  • ED 302/302L - Science Methods and Lab (Cr: 3)
  • ED 303 - Pre-Practicum Field Experience (Cr: 1)
  • ED 306/306L - Social Studies Methods and Lab (Cr: 3)
  • ED 308/308L - Early Childhood Methods and Lab (Cr: 3)
  • ED 329/329L - Literacy Methods and Lab (Cr: 3)
  • ED 330 - Sheltered English Immersion Teacher's Endorsement (Cr: 3)
  • ED 489 - Senior Research (Cr: 3)
  • POL 113 - American Government and Politics (Cr: 3)
    Satisfies the Individual & Society General Education Requirement

Fourth Year - Credits: 30

  • Global Issues General Education Requirement (Cr: 3)
  • Values and Ethical Reasoning General Education Requirement   (Cr: 3)
  • General Education Electives  (Cr: 6) (Must be 200 level or above)
  • ED 290 - Topics in Education (Cr: 3)
  • ED 401/401L - Practicum and Seminar in Early Childhood Education (Cr: 12)
  • ED 490 - Senior Thesis (Cr: 3)
    Or
  • ED 491 - Senior Capstone (Cr: 3)

Science Electives

Students must choose one course from each group

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the education program, students will:

  • Demonstrate the critical inquiry and analysis skills needed to engage constructively in intellectual discourse within the discipline.
  • Communicate effectively in written form following the academic conventions of the discipline. 
  • Document and exhibit pre-service competency on each of the Massachusetts Professional Standards for Teachers (PST)
  • Demonstrate subject matter knowledge in the liberal arts--literature, history, science, math, psychology, geography and government--in keeping with the characteristics of a "highly qualified teacher."  
  • Identify and demonstrate an understanding of the significant approaches, practices, and programs for developing reading skills and reading comprehension.

View academic catalog and learning outcomes

Fifth Year Master's and Endicott Fellows Program

As a graduate of the early childhood education program, you may apply to be an Endicott Fellow, completing a year-long fellowship on staff in a partnering school while receiving a tuition-free master's degree. Or, apply to complete a master's degree in education in one year of study beginning the summer after graduation.

Initial Licensure in Moderate Disabilities

If you choose to enroll in our early childhood or elementary education licensure programs, you will have the opportunity to complete courses that lead to the Massachusetts license in moderate disabilities (PreK-8)

"The professors at Endicott always pushed me to work to my best capability and they really inspired me to continue to educate others. Especially Professor [Lynne] Stasiak—she was the person who pushed me to work harder and she really inspired me."
Emily Amaral ’24

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