Early Childhood Education

This program is designed for students who are interested in working with young children in developmentally appropriate programs in the broad field of Early Childhood Education. You can take courses towards initial EEC qualifications or work towards a degree with personalized coaching and support from our experienced faculty.

Students who graduate from the Early Childhood Education Associates Degree program build background knowledge in child development, curriculum & instruction, assessment, building and sustaining family, and community partnerships. Student also learn about inclusive practices and instruction while developing professionalism and refining teacher dispositions. In addition to Early Childhood courses, you will take courses to support you in developing as a student and professional in all content areas with a strong foundation in liberal arts. The degree program includes two supervised 150-hour practicums in an Early Childhood community setting supporting initial EEC credentialing.

RCC’s Early Childhood Education Department is centrally located, easy to access, and offers courses through both online and in-person instruction.

Course Requirements

Semester One - Fall 2023

Credits

Semester Two - Spring 2024

Credits

Semester Three - Fall 2024

Semester Four - Spring 2025

Potential Career Path

Upon completion of the program, students are qualified to work in EEC licensed childcare settings or transfer to a four-year school for further study. Graduates can become teachers of young children in childcare centers, nursery schools, and Head Start programs. Many students prepare for careers in Child Care, public school, work for and with nonprofits and community organizations and Early Intervention. Graduates can transfer to continue their studies at a public or private four-year school. The program meets the requirements of the Department of Early Education and Care for teacher certification. For more information, please contact the Early Childhood Education Department.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Most careers in the education and human services field REQUIRE a Background Record Check (BRC) https://www.mass.gov/eec-background-record-checks. At RCC you will be required to complete a BRC to complete internship 1 & 2 and pay for fingerprinting separately.

Transfer Opportunities

MassTransfer - Through the MassTransfer program, your early childhood education degree from RCC transfers as two years of completed work towards at Bachelor's degree at most state colleges and universities. Review the A2B pathways on the MassTransfer website.

RCC also has articluation agreements with private universities that allow for seamless transfer to a four-year school upon completion of your early childhood education degree at RCC:

Lesley University - A.S. Early Childhood Education, B.S. Early Childhood Studies

Program Faculty

Early Childhood Education

First Name	Last Name	Title	Department	Phone	Email	Room
Erika	Ardito		Early Childhood Education
Jennifer	Kearns-Fox	Full Time Early Childhood Education Faculty	Early Childhood Education		jkearnsfox@rcc.mass.edu	3-318
Darlene	Thorpe	Administrative Assistant II	Early Childhood Education	857-701-1492	dthorpe@rcc.mass.edu
Donna	Woodson	Adjunct Faculty	Early Childhood Education	617-427-0060 x5241	dwoodson@rcc.mass.edu
Michelle	Howard-Harrell	Professor	Early Childhood Education	857-701-1467	mharre@rcc.mass.edu	3-324
Valerie	Saucer	Adjunct Faculty	Early Childhood Education	617-427-0060 x5222	vsaucer@rcc.mass.edu

Program Outcomes

Students will be eligible immediately for Early Education and Care certification in both Infants and Toddler and Preschool
Students can develop and implement developmentally appropriate lesson plans
Students can incorporate the Mass. Guidelines for Preschoolers in all lessons and activities
Students can create and use PowerPoint presentations where appropriate
Students become viable resources to parents by developing a list of community agencies, programs, etc.
Students utilize music, movement, art and drama in their classrooms