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Curry alumnus with an Early Childhood Education degree teaches students at a local school

The Curry College Early Childhood Education major is made up of three distinct credentialing tracks:

DESE credential (Pre-K - Grade 2):
Students interested in working in public school settings with children Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, Grades 1 and 2) can pursue an Early Childhood Education degree and the DESE credentialing track. The Early Childhood Education major prepares students to teach young children in all disciplinary areas. In accordance with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), this career path also requires completion of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL).

DEEC credential (Infants, Toddlers and Preschoolers):
Students interested in working in non-traditional settings with children birth - age 5 ​can pursue the Early Childhood Education degree through the DEEC credentialing track. Credentials available as preschool and Infant/Toddler (Lead teacher certification).

DPH credential (Certificate of Advanced Standing Early Interventionist/Developmental Specialist):
Students interested in working in family-focused service organizations that support and promote the growth and development of children at risk of or with a diagnosed developmental delay (birth to age three) and their families can pursue an Early Childhood Education degree and the DPH credentialing track.

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  • 5-Year M.Ed. – Apply to our Dual Degree program and graduate with both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in just 5 years.
  • Literacy Playgroup – Participate in a Literacy Playgroup with the Milton Early Childhood Alliance.
  • Volunteer Program – Jump into the classroom early with this selective program placing high-achieving students in local schools 1-2 days a week.
  • Professional Conferences - Attend and/or present at area conferences.
  • Pi Lambda Theta (Education Honor Society)
  • Curry Cares – Community Service Club
  • Education Club

The Path to Your Dream Career

Just a few of the many career options include:

  • Camp/Recreation Director
  • Child Care Administrator
  • Early Childhood Educator Grades PreK-2
  • Early Intervention-Developmental Specialist
  • Elementary Teacher Grades 1-6
  • Infant or Toddler Teacher
  • Paraprofessional
  • Preschool Educator
  • Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities - Grades PreK-8
  • Youth and Family Advocate

Our Alumni in the Field

Our alumni are leading the way at:

  • Boston Public Schools
  • Braintree Public Schools
  • Bright Horizons Family Solutions
  • Canton Public Schools
  • Gilson JCC Early Learning Center
  • Needham Public Schools
  • Plymouth Public Schools
  • Quincy Public Schools
  • RCS Behavioral and Education Services
  • South Bay Early Intervention
  • St. Alban’s Child Enrichment Center
  • Taunton Public Schools
  • The SPARK Center
  • Various charter schools

Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL)
Title II, Section 207 of the Higher Education Act requires all institutions with teacher preparation programs that enroll students who receive federal financial assistance to prepare annual reports on teacher preparation and licensing.

Note: Curry College had a 100% pass rate for all program completers during the 2021-2022 reporting year.

Information about Curry pass rates is available upon request by contacting the Licensure Officer/Title II Coordinator, (617) 333-2196.

The Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure are administered Monday-Saturday at designated test centers in Massachusetts and in many states each academic year. Additional information regarding all state testing is available through the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education,  Office of Educator Licensure, 75 Pleasant Street Malden, MA 02148-9140; Telephone: (781) 338-6600; www.mtel.nesinc.com. For additional information about Curry College's testing requirements, please contact Curry College Licensure Officer at 617-333-2196.

Related:

  1. Plan thoughtful, appropriate learning experiences that meet group and individual needs aligned with workplace expectations and state / federal / agency frameworks or guidelines.
  2. Carry out well-developed plans and assess regularly and systematically both individual outcomes and the quality of instruction.
  3. Establish, manage, and maintain effective learning environments with attention to positive social, emotional, physical and cognitive climates.
  4. Promote equity through culturally responsive practices and to continually seek to deepen one's knowledge and understanding within a constantly changing society.  This includes, but is not limited to, the complexity and interaction of the following: achievement, individual gifts learning situations and content, family structures, race and cultural identity, gender, abilities/disabilities, varied learning styles across varied learning situations and content, socio-economic status, religion, language and linguistic differences.
  5. Demonstrate professionalism and leadership toward a just society.
    1. understand his/her legal and moral responsibilities
    2. advocate for the health and well being of all
    3. demonstrate reflective practices as a means to grow and to question
    4. hold a disposition toward critical analysis and evaluation of ever-changing practices, (including technologies), processes, content,  and oral forms
    5. demonstrate the  ability to communicate one's ideas clearly in written and oral forms

Explore Related Programs:

A Curry College Management Forum student poses for a photo

Milton Early Childhood Alliance

Each spring semester, the Curry College education department collaborates with the Milton Early Childhood Alliance (MECA) to lead an early literacy playgroup for preschool-age children (2-4) and their parents.

MECA Partnership
Curry College students receive their Education Honor Society certificate

Education Honor Society

Pi Lambda Theta extends membership to students and professionals who satisfy academic eligibility requirements and have demonstrated characteristics of scholarship, leadership and service.

Education Honor Society
A Curry College Education Club student member poses for a photo

Education Club

The Education Club provides professional development opportunities to students showing interest in the field of education and seeks to involve children and families from neighboring areas in education-related activities.

Education Club
Curry College Education students participate in a STEM education workshop at the Boston Museum of Science.

STEM Teaching Workshop

Each fall semester, Education majors have the unique opportunity to participate in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education workshop at the Boston Museum of Science.

Learn More
A Curry College Study Abroad student pets an elephant in Thailand

Study Abroad

Go global with Curry College faculty members as part of our very popular Short-term, Faculty-led Courses, or create your own customized Study Abroad opportunity!

Study Abroad
Curry College students laughing in science lab

First-Year Experience

Making the transition to college can be a little confusing and lot of fun. Your First-Year Experience at Curry College helps smooth out the bumps and puts you on the path to success.

First-Year Experience
A Curry College faculty member interacts with students in the classroom

Gen Ed

At the heart of Curry College's undergraduate curriculum is our General Education (Gen Ed) Program. Gen Ed is based on our belief in the power and potential of the liberal arts.

General Education

Life-Changing Opportunities Await

Start with a foundation in the liberal arts. Add attentive faculty and countless opportunities to learn by doing. That’s what you’ll get with a bachelor’s degree from Curry. Learn what’s waiting for you today.

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