Early Childhood Education/Liberal Arts/A.A. Degree

OVERVIEW

The Early Childhood Education program at 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.

JOB GROWTH & 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.

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 & 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 & Development English Composition/Writing Introductory Psychology US History Survey of College Mathematics SEMESTER 2 Current Issues & Trends in 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 & Guiding  Children’s Behavior Statistics Environmental Science English Literature Health/Fitness Part Time Schedule SEMESTER 1 Early Childhood Growth & Development English Composition/Writing SEMESTER 2 Education: Current Issues & Trends 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 & Guiding  Children’s Behavior   SEMESTER 10 Survey of College Mathematics Humanities or Fine Arts
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