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Early Childhood Education (A.A.)

Programs and Classes

An ECE student demonstrates a reading lesson in a teaching classroom

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.

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
    Current Issues and 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 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: Current Issues and 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 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