Program Overview
The Early Childhood Education Associate in Science program offers students a robust academic foundation combined with practical field experiences essential for launching a career in early childhood education. Graduates are prepared to work in various settings, including child care centers, nursery schools, Head Start programs, and family child-care environments. The curriculum emphasizes child development, curriculum planning, and inclusive practices, equipping students to make meaningful contributions to the growth and learning of young children.
Embark on a fulfilling career path that nurtures the potential of young learners.
Program Highlights
- The program is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), ensuring adherence to high standards of excellence in early childhood teacher preparation.
- Graduates qualify for the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) Lead Teacher certification for children aged 2.9 to 6 years, provided they meet age and experience requirements.
- Students engage in supervised field placements, gaining real-world experience in early childhood settings, which reinforces classroom learning and prepares them for immediate employment.
- The Foundational Certificate (endorsed by EEC) is a stackable certificate into the
degree program
- Courses are offered at the Lynn campus with scheduling options designed to accommodate diverse student needs.
- The program offers transfer pathways to four-year institutions for students aiming to pursue bachelor's degrees in education or related fields.
Program Details
Expand AllCollapse AllView and print the required courses for the Early Childhood Education program.
Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
The curriculum is designed to provide a robust academic foundation combined with practical field experiences essential for launching a career in early childhood education. Courses include:
- Foundations of Early Childhood Education
- Prosocial Guidance of Young Children
- Children with Special Needs
- Supervision & Administration of ECE Programs
- Introduction to CDA and Portfolio Development
For a full list of courses visit our .
Graduates of the Early Childhood Education program are prepared for various roles, including:
- Lead Teacher
- Assistant Teacher
- Family Child Care Provider
- Head Start Educator
NSCC maintains transfer agreements with various four-year institutions, expanding opportunities for students to pursue bachelor's degrees in their chosen fields. Students are encouraged to consult with academic advisors to explore transfer agreements and plan their academic pathways accordingly.
Students in the Early Childhood Education Program complete over 440 hours of hands-on experience with children ages 2.9 to 5.9 during two semesters. Typically, students spend four mornings a week, four hours a day for 14 weeks in supervised preschool settings. This fieldwork helps students build practical skills, gain confidence, and apply what they鈥檝e learned in class to real-world situations.
Field placements take place at a variety of 9I果冻制作厂 Shore programs, including:
- LEO Head Start (Lynn)
- Catholic Charities (Lynn)
- Pathways Inc. (Gloucester, Beverly, Salem)
- Parker River Community Preschool (Rowley)
- Bright Horizons (Beverly)
- Lil' Sprouts (Essex)
- Magical Beginnings (Peabody)
- Ocean Breeze Nursery School, First Church Nursery School (Swampscott)
- Fox Hill School (Danvers)
The Early Childhood Education Program prepares students to help preschool-aged children grow and reach their full potential. The early years are a critical time when children develop their values, learning styles, self-image, and relationships. Because early educators have a strong influence during this stage, it鈥檚 essential they are well-trained and confident in working with both children and families. Our philosophy of education is based on the values we hold for children. We believe children need to be with teachers who:
- Understand how children grow and learn
- Use a variety of approaches to build competence in all children
- Create curriculum based on children's interests and needs, and provide opportunities to foster children's skills and knowledge
- Engage and appreciate family and community
- Practice effective and appropriate assessment
- Are dedicated and committed to their profession
Review the Early Childhood Education Program Graduate Data >
Heidi Ferrante
Faculty/Coordinator, Early Childhood Education
Erin Butts
Early Childhood Educator
Arlington Infant/Toddler Center
Kristina DiMaria, M.Ed
Center Director
ABCD Head Start & Children's Services, Everett
Susan Ferrante
Retired NSCC Program Coordinator
Kathy Gallo
Faculty/Coordinator, Career Pathways Grant
Jamie Laurenza
Program Director
Catholic Charities Child Care, Lynn
Gina Pelletier
Adjunct Faculty/NSCC
Sarah Scott
Early Childhood Education Teacher
9I果冻制作厂 East Metro West Technical High School
Kristin Wojciak
Director
Arlington Infant/Toddler Center
Carolyn Wilson
NSCC Student
If you have a question please email or call us. You can also reference our Frequently Asked Questions.
Please note the data above reflects a degree in the listed program
Program Questions
earlychildhood@northshore.edu
781-477-2215
Contact Admissions
General Assistance
Visit CentroHub, NSCC鈥檚 virtual concierge.
Accreditation
9I果冻制作厂 is an accredited public institute of higher education where all are welcome and each is challenged. NSCC is accredited by NECHE, the New England Commission of Higher Education.
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
Early learning programs accredited by the are evaluated on a comprehensive set of indicators in quality in the classroom and beyond. NAEYC Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs uses related standards of excellence, ensuring that college program graduates have all of the key competencies to support young children's development and learning.
The A.S. Early Childhood Education degrees at 9I果冻制作厂 are accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs of the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
In Spring of 2023, the Early Childhood Education Department at NSCC was placed on probation by the Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. A program on probation is accredited but is not in full compliance with the accreditation standards and/or other requirements for maintaining its accreditation status. A program has up to two yearly reporting cycles to demonstrate full compliance with the standards and/or other requirements for maintaining its accreditation status. The current accreditation term runs from Accreditation March, 2023-August, 31, 2025.