2024-2025 Catalog

Early Childhood Education — Introductory (Certificate)

Program Advisor: Patricia Kay, M.Ed.

413-236-4626 • pkay@berkshirecc.edu

The Introductory Early Childhood Education certificate is the first pathway leading to greater qualifications for work with young children. With the experience provided in the practicum (ECE-123), those completing this certificate will be ready to apply for teacher qualification through the MADOEEC. The required ECE courses will be offered in the evening in rotation.

Expected Outcomes

Graduates of this program should be able to:

  • Demonstrate understanding of significant theories of child development and their practical implementation in child care settings;
  • Develop practical skills in guiding and interacting with youth from studying various program models;
  • Understand diverse family structures and use culturally competent practices to support and communicate with children and families;
  • Ensure children’s safety, promote health practices and recognize and respond to abuse and neglect;
  • Recognize characteristics of high-quality environments and developmentally appropriate curriculum; and
  • Understand the goals, benefits and uses of observation and assessment in early childhood.

Graduation Requirements

To earn a certificate in this program, a student must complete all program credits, plus the following Additional Requirements.

Program Courses

EDU-101Early Childhood Growth & Development

3

EDU-104Foundations of Early Childhood Education

3

EDU-123Early Childhood Education Practicum I

3

EDU-124Early Childhood Education Seminar I

1

ENG-101Composition I

3

PSY-107Introductory Psychology

3

Total Credit Hours:16

Additional Requirements

Demonstrated College-level skills in Reading & Writing

Minimum Cumulative Average Overall 2.000
Minimum Cumulative Average in Program 2.000

Suggested Sequence of Courses

Required

EDU-101Early Childhood Growth & Development

3

EDU-104Foundations of Early Childhood Education

3

EDU-123Early Childhood Education Practicum I

3

EDU-124Early Childhood Education Seminar I

1

ENG-101Composition I

3

PSY-107Introductory Psychology

3

Gainful Employment Disclosure 2019

Below you'll find program costs, student loan debt, graduation rates, and jobs associated with this program.

Program Name: Early Childhood Education (Introductory) Certificate

This program is designed to be completed in: one (1) year.

Costs for this program if completed within normal timeframe:

  • $3,708 in-state tuition and fees
  • $3,916 New England/New York resident tuition and fees
  • $7,452 out-of-state tuition and fees
  • $800 estimated books and supplies
  • $1,024 estimated transportation

There may be additional costs to consider such as reduced income if you will be cutting back on work hours, child care, room, board, and general living expenses while enrolled.

Of the students who completed this program within normal time, the typical graduate leaves with $ 0.00 debt.

Program meets licensure requirements in Massachusetts.

For more information about graduation rates, loan repayment rates, and post-enrollment earnings about this institution and other postsecondary institutions, please see: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/