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Early Childhood Teacher (PreK-2)
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Grade Levels:
preK-2
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Credits for Licensure:
31-34
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Credits:
30-32
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Degree:
Master of Education
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Program Approved:
MA Dept. of Elementary and Secondary Education
Program Description
Gain the specialized knowledge and training to become an early childhood teacher. This program prepares you to pursue an initial license in Early Childhood PreK-2 With and Without Disabilities. The early childhood teaching degree at Cambridge College offers licensure and non-licensure options and is approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Cambridge College Early Childhood Teacher Program Highlights
If you enjoy working with children, becoming an early childhood teacher can be a rewarding career choice. This program will prepare you for the classroom while providing a flexible, affordable pathway to your master’s degree.
- Field-based learning. Licensure students will take part in a 14-week supervised field experience, as well as a supporting practicum seminar based on the Professional Standards for Teachers in Massachusetts.
- Flexible class schedules. With day, evening, weekend, and online class options designed for working professionals, you can pursue your master’s degree on a schedule that fits your life.
- Affordable tuition. Our tuition rate is among the country’s most affordable for a four-year private nonprofit college, offering quality education at exceptional value.
- Experienced faculty. Cambridge College faculty bring diverse early childhood research experience to the program and work closely with students as teachers and mentors.
- Diverse experiences. Ranked as one of the most ethnically diverse colleges in America, Cambridge College gives you the opportunity to work with other adult learners from all over the world, enriching your educational experience in the process.
- Convenient location. All of our classroom locations are close to public transportation and/or offer free student parking throughout the year.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), enrollment in Pre-K education has increased from 96,000 to over 1 million in the last 30 years.
Early Childhood Teacher (PreK-2) Learning Outcomes
Through the coursework for this program, you’ll learn how to become a skilled, knowledgeable, and creative early childhood teacher who knows how to:
- Create developmentally appropriate lessons and activities for children in PreK-2 settings.
- Use inclusive practices appropriate for children with learning disabilities and for diverse students (including English language learners) to enhance the abilities of their children.
- Create a safe and collaborative learning environment that fosters positive socioemotional development.
- Set high expectations for all students and establish measurable assessments of learning.
- Engage in ongoing reflection on practice.
Early Childhood Teacher Jobs
Graduates of the licensure option are eligible for initial licensure and will be qualified to teach preschool, kindergarten, and other early learning classrooms.
Alternative career options for early childhood teacher graduates include working as teaching assistants or preschool and childcare center directors.
Early Childhood Teacher Salaries
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Massachusetts is one of the top paying states in the nation for kindergarten teachers, with an average annual salary of $71,790.
Preschool teachers in Massachusetts currently make an average of $37,510 per year. Boston is one of the metropolitan areas with the highest employment level in this occupation.
Keep in mind that salaries for early childhood teachers will vary depending on your experience and where you live and work.
Example Early Childhood Teacher (PreK-2) Courses
The Early Childhood Teacher master’s degree program at Cambridge College offers a hands-on, comprehensive curriculum featuring classes such as:
- Inclusion and Classroom Behavior Management
- Development of Young Children
- Practicum: Early Childhood (licensure only)
Download the Early Childhood Teacher (PreK-2) program sheet.
Early Childhood Teacher (PreK-2) Scholarships and Financial Aid
You may qualify for grants, scholarships, loans, and other types of financial assistance to help pay for your master’s degree. Learn more about applying for financial aid at Cambridge College.
Many companies also offer tuition assistance programs that can help to pay for education. Find information about getting your company to help.
Related Programs at Cambridge College
If you’re still exploring degree options, you might be interested in learning more about these Master of Education programs at Cambridge College:
Curriculum
Please note: At Cambridge College locations outside of Massachusetts, this program is currently non-licensure only.
Early Childhood Courses
26
Credits
Program Portfolio Integration
EED 735
Students are required to enroll in this 0-credit course during the first semester of their program experience. Enrollment in this 0-credit course activates student access to the Tevera portfolio which facilities the tracking and storage of essential documents required for program completion.
The Reflective Practitioner
EED 5001 • 1 credit(s)
Reflective practice is a process of self-evaluation and analysis that allows teachers to reflect on their teaching practices, identify areas for improvement, and make adjustment to their practice to better support student learning. In this 1-credit course, graduate students will learn to identify their own strengths and challenges, set goals for themselves and their students, evaluate curriculum materials, generate potential solutions to problems of practice, and explore tools and technology to support their reflective practice.
Teaching Phonological and Phonemic Awareness and Phonics
ELE 500
This course is a prerequisite for ELE521. This course will emphasize the development of children’s phonemic awareness, phonological awareness and phonics skills and the learning environment that supports the development of such skills. It will also cover concepts of print, explicit/implicit instruction, analytic/synthetic methods, word analysis skills, the alphabetic principle, and language development.
Teaching Literacy
ELE 521 • 3 credit(s)
Prerequisite: ELE 500. This course develops a thorough understanding of foundational literacy skills for early childhood and elementary educators. The relationship between the theories and current research on oral language, systematic phonemic awareness and phonics instruction, high-priority word instruction, vocabulary, and comprehension will be analyzed. In addition, class participants will analyze reading and writing development based on the active view of reading model and the science of reading research.
Adapting Materials for Students with Disabilities in Gen Ed Classrooms
ESP 592 • 1 credit(s)
This course provides participants with the knowledge and skills to adapt curriculum and materials to meet the diverse needs of students. Participants will explore the key frameworks of UDL and differentiation to promote inclusive practices and optimize learning. Participants will evaluate existing curriculum, materials, and instructional practices to ensure they are accessible, engaging, and effective for learners. Emphasis will be on applying accommodations and modifications as well as implementing the frameworks for UDL and differentiation.
Collaboration and Consultation Techniques
ESP 594 • 2 credit(s)
The course explores collaboration and consultation techniques among school-based teams to best support a range of learners in today's classrooms. The course will provide students with the background and knowledge-based to work collaboratively with school-based educators, parents, and outside agencies to improve student outcomes. Students will become familiar with the educator’s role within the IEP process to strengthen educational partnerships through culturally responsive instruction and teamwork to assess, plan, and implement effective classroom environments.
Development of Young Children
ECE 600 • 3 credit(s)
An introduction to the child, from birth to age eight, as a learner with needs to explore and communicate, as well as to develop social-emotional competencies. Explanation of current themes/theories of child development is provided with special emphasis on understanding children’s developmental levels through childhood. Topics covered include: conception, heredity and prenatal development, infant development, the child in the family, toddlerhood and early childhood. The impact of developmental theories on the education of children with disabilities is examined. Formulation of a developmentally appropriate Individual Educational Plan is required. Observation in a childcare center or preschool setting is a requirement of this course.
Teaching Science, Engineering, and Technology
ELE 653 • 3 credit(s)
This course provides the knowledge, tools and methods for making early childhood and elementary science an exciting, hands-on learning experience for children. Educators learn how to develop lessons that address student experimentation and design techniques using readily available materials. Safe laboratory practices for the classroom are also addressed. A standards-based approach to science education is our template for lesson development, covering the major domains in science: life, physical, earth, inquiry-applied and engineering technology; and historical scientific discoveries in each area. Alignment of curriculum is emphasized; national benchmark standards in elementary science are also supported. Analysis of elementary summative science assessments, based on the National Science Standards is incorporated in the coursework. Pre-practicum hours of directed field-based training required.
Inclusion and Classroom Behavior Management
ESP 512 • 3 credit(s)
This course focuses on the knowledge of the etiology of learning problems and specific techniques to effectively create an inclusive classroom. Emphasis is on classroom management and the management of challenging behaviors in an inclusion classroom.
Teaching Social Sciences, History, and Multicultural Education
ELE 656 • 3 credit(s)
This course prepares candidates to teach social studies that includes the multicultural contributions of the world. They gain a basis for researching issues in social studies and history that give their students more universal perspectives. The materials chosen are appropriate to the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks/Common Core Standards in history and social studies. Educators will gain the basic information and know the principles for teaching social sciences, history and geography as outlined in the Massachusetts regulations for educator licensure. Candidates produce and implement well-structured lessons that center of core disciplinary ideas in the K-12 social studies curriculum, utilize primary source materials, and reflect knowledge of formative assessment, differentiated instruction, cooperative learning, and the role of academic feedback, and questioning to support higher-order thinking. Pre-practicum hours of directed field-based training required.
Teaching Children's Literature
ELE 620 • 3 credit(s)
This course introduces some of the best literature—children’s, young adult, adult and contemporary—and helps children become lifelong learners and readers. Students gain knowledge of the Massachusetts English Language Arts Curriculum Frameworks/Common Core Standards. Many genres of literature are explored, along with basic literacy elements and techniques including the necessary basics of the English language with emphasis on correct grammar, usage and composition. Lesson plans and models for teaching literature are presented. Candidates implement well-structured lessons that reflect knowledge of the essential elements of scientifically-based reading instruction, formative assessment, differentiated instruction, cooperative learning, and the role of academic feedback, and questioning to support higher-order thinking. Pre-practicum hours of directed field-based training required.
Inclusion in Math Class
MAT 700 • 3 credit(s)
This course promotes collaboration between mathematics and special educators to improve instruction and outcomes for all students, including students with disabilities. This course provides a structure for developing shared visions, common language, foundational knowledge of mathematics instruction, and the instructional needs of math students with disabilities. The Mathematics Curriculum Frameworks serve as a foundation for high quality core curriculum and instruction addressing conceptual understandings and practices that are an essential part of rigorous math expectations.
Teaching Physical Education and Movement
ELE 594 • 1 credit(s)
This course provides a thorough examination of current research and best practices concerning physical education and movement in early childhood and elementary classrooms. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the benefits of physical education and movement for young students and how they can be integrated with other academic subjects to enhance the overall development and well-being of students.
Practicum Prerequisites
1-4
Credits
- Pass all teacher tests required by Massachusetts for this license: Communication & Literacy, Early Childhood, and Foundations of Reading (MTEL).
- SEI605 Sheltered English Immersion (3 credits) or Mass. ESE-endorsed course or SEI MTEL.
- Pass all required courses.
- Pre-Practicum — Successfully complete program-specific hours in diverse settings (0 credit)
- EDU704 Practicum Readiness (1 credit)
- Submit Practicum Application and Practicum Placement Approval Form.
SEI (Sheltered English Immersion) Content License Endorsement Course
SEI 605 • 3 credit(s)
This Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) Content License Endorsement Course is designed for educator licensure candidates in all core academic areas, to prepare them to address the needs, and build on the multilingual and multicultural assets, of a diverse and ever-changing student population in Massachusetts. The course is a key element of the Massachusetts RETELL initiative (Rethinking Equity and Teaching for English Language Learners). RETELL also includes statewide implementation of the WIDA ELD (English Language Development) standards, and the WIDA-ACCESS assessment tools. Participants will be introduced to ELD standard and WIDA tools, and will practice applying research-based SEI instructional strategies as they teach their content to English language learners (ELLs). They will also be introduced to a variety of professional growth opportunities to prepare them to extend their learning by making SEI the focus of professional practice within the new educator evaluation process.
Practicum Readiness
EDU 704 • 1 credit(s)
This course is specifically designed to determine readiness for the practicum. It will assist the teacher candidate to develop his/her skills to be ready to assume the role of student teacher from the first day of practicum. Students will understand the requirements of CAP by engaging in and completing the forms for each of the "essentials" and completing their own goals. All of the Tevera components, other than the practicum documents, will be completed. MTELs will be completed. Those having difficulty with the MTELs will be directed for support. Fieldwork assignments will be required.
Practicum & Seminar
4
Credits
Licensure students only.
The practicum is guided and evaluated by a licensed/certified early childhood teacher in the classroom and a Cambridge College early childhood supervisor. Practicum locations are subject to MA DESE regulations and must be approved by the program chair. Students are responsible for discussing options for practicum with the program chair.
Practicum: Early Childhood PK-2
ECE 794 • 2 credit(s)
This course includes a 14-week supervised field experience of a minimum of 300 hours in which candidates demonstrate proficiency in meeting the Professional Standards for Teachers. The practicum must meet the hours and setting requirements for the license sought, under the guidance of a supervising practitioner with the appropriate license, with Cambridge College supervision. Assessment follows the Candidate Assessment of Performance (CAP) and assesses ability with respect to: well-structured lessons, high expectations, meeting diverse needs, adjustment to practice, safe learning environment, professional culture/reflective practice, as well as formative assessment, differentiation and providing academic feedback. Artifacts are uploaded into an Exit Portfolio. An Application to Practicum is required.
Practicum Seminar: Early Childhood
ECE 791 • 2 credit(s)
Practicum required concurrently. The seminar, based on the Professional Standards for Teachers in Massachusetts, provides opportunities for classroom experience and supports students' growth as they assume the teaching role. Candidates receive feedback on lesson plans, and develop instructional practice by analyzing case studies, engaging in role play and viewing of instructor-selected video tapes that depict examples of practice. Candidates upload required key assessments into an Exit Portfolio in TaskStream.
Program Chair
Senior Instructor
(800) 877-4723Laura.Ziman@go.cambridgecollege.edu
Adjunct Instructor
617-873-0669Tahia.Bell-Sykes@cambridgecollege.edu
Pages
Admissions
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Admission Test:
No standardized graduate school tests required for admission into non-licensure programs.
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Admissions Office:
1-800-829-4723
- Application Form:
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Application Fee:
$50 ($100 for international students; $100 for EdD)
Health Requirements for Massachusetts Students
The Massachusetts Health Department and Cambridge College require the following of students in Massachusetts:
Immunizations – All students in Massachusetts are required to get certain immunizations before you can register for your first term. See form
Health Insurance – In Massachusetts, undergraduate students taking nine or more credits/term and graduate students taking six or more credits/term must enroll in the College’s health insurance plan. Students who have insurance with comparable coverage may request a waiver. See information and enroll or waive.
School Requirements
See Admissions Requirements for School of Education
International Students
International students need to provide supplemental documentation:
- Official demonstration of English language proficiency
- Supplemental documentation for issuance of I-20
- International transcripts, evaluated by an accepted evaluation service
Transfer Credit
Graduate program applicants, please complete the transfer credit request form if you wish to have prior course work evaluated for transfer. Learn more.
Undergraduate program applicants, once you are accepted, your official transcripts are evaluated for transfer credit.
Tuition
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Credits for Licensure:
31-34
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Credits:
30-32
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Cost per credit hour:
$639
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Application Fee:
$50 ($100 for international students; $100 for EdD)
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Health Insurance Fee:
$3,940 - Required for Massachusetts students only. See waiver details on Tuition & Fees page.
Note: Rates are as of June 2023, and are subject to change without notice. Rates apply to all students unless otherwise noted.
Financial Aid
Cambridge College offers financial aid to students in our degree programs who are enrolled at least half-time. Undergraduate students must be enrolled in at least 6 credits each term. Graduate and doctoral students must be enrolled in at least 4 credits each term. Learn more
Grants, Scholarships, and Loans
Cambridge College welcomes the opportunity to support your efforts to pay for college. Federal, state, and local resources in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study, including Cambridge College Scholarships, are available to help defray the cost of tuition. Learn more
Getting Your Company to Help
Many companies have tuition assistance programs, designed to help their employees with their professional development. Learn more
Take the Next Step Toward Your Early Childhood Teacher (PreK-2) Certification
Take the Next Step Toward Your Early Childhood Teacher (PreK-2) Certification
Ready to Apply?
We can help you with any aspect of the application process. Call us at 1-800-829-4723. Start your journey now!
Have Questions?
An admissions counselor will be happy to help you with any questions you may have.
- Email Admissions
- Request Information
- Call 1-800-829-4723
