Early Childhood: Teacher of Students With and Without Disabilities

The early childhood program at Elms College prepares initially licensed teachers in Massachusetts for the Pre-K- 2 level. Candidates for licensure complete rigorous coursework at the college and do fieldwork with young children with and without moderate disabilities in local schools. Early childhood graduates are prepared to teach all areas of the curriculum and make adaptations for students with moderate disabilities.

Children's needs and interests are as important as the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks in the early childhood teacher preparation program at Elms College, and students are prepared to work in collaboration with parents, colleagues in schools, and educational specialists such as speech therapists and physical therapists.

The Elms College preparation program for early childhood teachers exceeds state standards for both knowledge and performance, and gives prospective early childhood teachers a competitive edge in seeking employment.

Contact
Mary Janeczek, Division Chair
413-265-2291
email: janeczekm@elms.edu

Prospective early childhood education students will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of typical and atypical physical, cognitive, language, and social/emotional development of the children with and without moderate disabilities, and use this understanding to assess students' needs and interests, to plan and present developmentally appropriate lessons and learning activities, and to determine the progress children are making.
• Draw on subject matter knowledge in teaching reading and language arts, children's literature, mathematics, science, social studies, health, physical education, and the arts to provide developmentally appropriate learning experiences that respond to children's interests, and challenge them to construct an understanding of the world in which they live through play and active learning.
• Communicate clearly and respectfully with children, families, colleagues, and members of the community, and work with them to benefit children's learning and development.
• Organize and manage a classroom to provide time, space, materials, and support necessary for a stimulating and safe learning environment.
• Reflect on teaching and learning, and use reflections to meet legal and moral responsibilities for professional growth and service to children and their families.
• Meet state licensure standards for communication and literacy skills, subject matter knowledge, teaching reading and language arts, and performance.

MajorRequirements

B.A. Degree
Major in Early Childhood Education (Grades PreK-2)
Initial License in Early Childhood (PreK-2)
(Minimum at Elms College: 18 cr.)
Major Requirements 45 credits