Add-On License in Early Childhood Education (PreK–2)

Students in this program earn their degrees by demonstrating their skills, knowledge and understanding of important concepts through a series of carefully designed assessments based on the course materials. This course does not require synchronous class meetings. Material traditionally provided through in-class lectures is available through class notes and readings in this course. Progress through your degree program is governed not by classes, but by satisfactory completion of the required assessments that demonstrate your mastery of the competencies.

This course focuses on the fundamental principles and concepts taught in pre-kindergarten through grade two mathematics that includes number sense, numeration, patterns, geometry, measurement and data analysis. Prospective teachers learn how to develop and coordinate learning objectives, assessment techniques and instructional methodologies according to the principles of how children learn mathematics. The Standards of Mathematical Practice are addressed through math content applied to real-life problem-solving, communication, and decision-making.

This course provides an overview of the emergence of language and writing across development. This course also examines how to draw from knowledge of oral language and writing development to plan and implement evidence-based writing instruction for PK–8 students reflecting a wide range of needs and backgrounds to address the Massachusetts English Language Arts Curricular Frameworks. This includes evidence-based instruction for sentence structure and conventions, craft of writing and the writing process and strategies. Field experience is necessary to complete course assignments.

This course introduces students to the biological, cognitive,and socio-cultural theories of early childhood education from the period of prenatal growth through age eight. This course examines topics including prenatal growth, infant health, language development, childcare and schooling, play, family life, learning assessment, differentiated instruction and multicultural perspectives of early childhood development as relevant to educational practice. Students engage in a comprehensive curriculum assignment that encompasses all areas of child development demonstrating their full understanding of the importance of quality early education.