Early Childhood Education (A.A.)

BCC instructor and students in a classroom working with books

Early Childhood Education (A.A.) Program Overview

The Early Childhood Education program at Berkshire Community College (BCC) offers several pathways for students to pursue their career goals. Two certificate programs plus two degree programs are available for students with varying needs. Certificates offer stackable courses that may lead to degree opportunities. Courses outlined in the Associate in Arts program meet the Massachusetts Transfer Compact and provide a strong foundation for students continuing on to a bachelor's degree while the Associate in Science program prepares students to immediately enter the work force.

The curriculum stresses the synthesis of theory and practice. Techniques of working with individual students, addressing group needs, and demonstrating respect for culture and community are emphasized. Program models from around the world and current research on neuroscience is examined while focusing on developmentally appropriate practice as defined by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care and the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Courses are aligned with the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care and NAEYC core competencies.

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Visit the College Catalog for course details

Contact Us

Patricia Kay, M.Ed., Program Advisor
pkay@berkshirecc.edu
413-236-4626

Learn More

Transfer Schools
Mount Holyoke College

Smith College

Westfield State University

Elms College

MCLA (Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts)
Job Growth and Wages

Employment of Early Childhood Educators is expected to grow 17% from 2012 to 2022, which is faster than average for all occupations. A degree with a concentration in Early Childhood Education is flexible and can lead to work with private child care centers, preschools, home child care and public school systems.
Local Employers
Child Care of the Berkshires

Head Start

Berkshire Children and Families

YMCA Child Care Centers

Gladys Allen Brigham Child Care Center

Kidzone

Lenox Preschool

Home Child Care Providers

Full-Time Schedule

SEMESTER 1 Early Childhood Growth and Development English Composition/Writing Introductory Psychology US History Survey of College Mathematics	SEMESTER 2 Foundations of Early Childhood Education Communication Introductory Sociology English Composition/Writing Creativity: Curriculum
SEMESTER 3 Early Childhood Education Practicum I Early Childhood Education Seminar I Introduction to Nutrition History Children's Literature Natural or Physical Science	SEMESTER 4 Special Needs in Early Childhood Education Understanding and Guiding Children's Behavior Statistics Environmental Science English Literature Health/Fitness

Part-Time Schedule

SEMESTER 1 Early Childhood Growth and Development English Composition/Writing	SEMESTER 2 Education: Foundations of Early Childhood Education English Composition/Writing	SEMESTER 3 Introductory Psychology Survey of College Mathematics
SEMESTER 4 US History Early Childhood Education Practicum I Early Childhood Education Seminar II	SEMESTER 5 Communication Introductory Sociology	SEMESTER 6 Creativity: Curriculum History
SEMESTER 7 Natural or Physical Science Environmental Science	SEMESTER 8 Special Needs in Early Childhood Education English Literature	SEMESTER 9 Environmental Science Understanding and Guiding Children's Behavior
	SEMESTER 10 Survey of College Mathematics Humanities or Fine Arts

Testimonial

Doing my practicum and seminar courses with Professor Kay is where everything fell into place. I was interning for a short period of time and was employed right away. I wouldn't have been able to do that without Ms. Kay. After graduating from BCC a year ago, I've become a lead teacher in a preschool classroom. Without the support of the early childhood professors, I wouldn't be where I am today.

Jean Barrett, Class of 2018