Career Outlook

Graduates of this program qualify for employment in a variety of settings, including day care centers, preschools, head start programs, family home care, social service organizations, and day camps. Students also may transfer to four-year colleges or universities in elementary education, human services work with families and children, or special needs childcare.

Graduates of this program qualify as teachers and/or lead teachers in the state of Massachusetts. For more information on minimal requirements for employment, contact the department chairperson.

Competencies

What are competencies? They are the knowledge and skills that support job success. Upon completion of the Associates in Science Degree in Early Childhood Development Program, graduates should be able to:

1. Use knowledge of child development and relationships with children and families to understand children as individuals and plan for their unique development by organizing environments which facilitate development in all development areas.

2. Design and implement developmentally appropriate learning experiences using methods and materials which promote growth and development.

3. Work with parents, families, and community leaders to support growth and development of children by engaging each child in meaningful experiences.

4. Observe children in their care and be able to analyze and synthesize information about children so as to improve their own work with children, families, and communities.

5. Analyze, evaluate and strengthen their work with children by reflecting upon effective practices and collaborating with other professionals in the field.

The development of these core competencies is an important step in building the foundation of a strong and competent workforce. What's the end result of possessing these competencies? Children are positioned to grow in healthy ways; families are empowered to be part of their children's development and learning; families benefit from instructor-partnerships and knowledge; and instructors become informed advocates for sound educational practices and policies.

If you would to learn more about the core competencies that NAEYC believes early childhood professionals must possess as they work with young children from birth to age 8, please click on the "Standards for Programs" pdf: http://www.naeyc.org/faculty/pdf/Standards061017.pdf