Why Choose a Teaching Licensure in Early Childhood (PreK-2)?

This program affords many students who have completed a bachelor's degree the opportunity to earn initial licensure.

Our vision is the outgrowth of community discussions among education faculty, liberal arts and science faculty, students, and prek-12 teachers. Central to all conversations has been the tenet of building learning communities, including the desire to strengthen the ability of teachers to advocate for their students and their profession. At a time of increased accountability, the larger Westfield State University learning community continues its commitment to prepare graduates to educate the children of the Commonwealth. Consequently, all our Teacher Education Programs embrace a vision of Teachers as Leaders Building Learning Communities.

Requirements for a Teaching Licensure in Early Childhood (PreK-2)

REQUIRED COURSEWORK FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD LICENSURE

EDUC0220 Schools in American Culture* or EDUC0633 Social Cultural Theories*
EDUC0380/580 Multicultural Education
EDUC0221/0540 Students with Spec. Nds.*
EDUC0201 Learning and Assessment
EDUC0319/0519 Prin of Teaching & Learning *
EDUC0308/0508 Early Childhood Curriculum*
EDUC0314/0514 Classroom Management
EDUC0381/0581 Early Intervention for Young Child With Special Needs*
EDUC0303/0503 Early Literacy and Reading
EDUC0305/0505 Literature and Language Arts
PSYC0202 Child Development
GNSC0360/0560 Methods of Science Education/PreK-6
MATH0352/0552 Foundations of Teaching Math/PreK-6
MOVP0303 Health Ed in Elem School Elem School or
 MOVP0301 Physical Ed in Elem School
EDUC0396/0596 Seminar Recent Dev: Computer in Ed or
 Other ISTE Standard-based technology course
EDUC0309/0509 Children's Literature or Other approved Children's Lit course
EDUC0536 Practicum Early Childhood

Decisions regarding coursework in the academic major are based on a student?s academic record, performance on the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL), previous college coursework or other related professional experience reflective of the student having met state and national standards.

See Appendix A for academic subject matter coursework.

It is important for a student to meet with an academic advisor as early as possible to determine a program of study.

*Field experience required