Sep 07, 2024  
2003-2004 Springfield College Graduate Catalog 
    
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2003-2004 Springfield College Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Early Childhood Education: Teacher of Students With & Without Disabilities (PreK - 2)

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The Graduate Level Initial Licensure Program in Early Childhood Education prepares early childhood educators to assume teaching positions in public schools, child care programs, private preschools and kindergartens, early intervention programs, family support and home visiting programs and inclusive early childhood settings. The knowledge base for the early childhood field has expanded substantially in the past five years, and the Springfield College program that leads to Licensure as an Early Childhood Teacher of Students With and Without Disabilities is established on that new knowledge base. All students entering the program will be required to meet the content area requirements as identified by the Massachusetts Department of Education.

In the Graduate Level Initial Licensure Program, early childhood educators gain the knowledge, skills and dispositions needed if all young children (from preschool through second grade) are to receive the kind of early education they deserve. The program addresses the need for tomorrow’s teachers to be prepared to serve and to value a far more diverse group of young children and families than at any time in the past. Our program gives students the opportunity to student teach in inclusive early childhood settings which welcome young children with increasingly challenging disabilities and medical conditions.With the foundation provided by the required courses, including the pre-practicum and practicum field experiences, individuals completing the Graduate Initial Licensure Program in Early Childhood Education will draw from a continuum of teaching strategies in order to support the learning and development of all children.

Prerequisites:
An undergraduate degree in the liberal arts or in a field related to early childhood education (e.g., Psychology); a broad background in coursework related to the primary grade knowledge of the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks; documented experience in working with children between the ages of three and eight.

Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure Required:
All students in the Early Childhood Graduate Initial Licensure Program are required to pass the following exams with a score of 70 or better:

  • Communication and Literacy Skills exam (prior to admission to the program)
  • Early Childhood Subject exam (prior to practicum)
  • Foundations of Reading exam (prior to practicum)

Education Department Programs

The Springfield College Education Department is committed to preparing effective teachers for the 21st century who will demonstrate strong critical thinking skills, knowledge of curriculum, and reflective teaching practices. Our graduates will be prepared to create dynamic learning environments in which teaching and assessment meet the needs of students. The department strives to strengthen partnerships with the community and foster teaching that empowers students, promotes equity, celebrates diversity and demonstrates a commitment to the humanics philosophy.

Graduate study in the Education Department is designed to enable educators to earn their initial teaching license or to enhance their teaching or administrative skills in order to better serve Pre K - 12 schools, early childhood education centers, and other educational institutions. Interdisciplinary study characterizes the teacher preparation programs, providing adult students with greater knowledge and understanding of their profession, enhancing their ability to work with youth and their families. Programs in the department lead to a Master of Education (M.Ed.) or a Master of Science (M.S.) degree. Graduate students in the department who are not writing a thesis must pass a comprehensive examination, and present their research endeavor before a panel of faculty.

The strength of the Education Programs at Springfield College is our low faculty-student ratio that allows us to support adult learners in their professional development through challenging courses that explore current knowledge about theory, practice, multicultural issues, educational research, technology and urban education. Continual exploration of effective professional practice in the field of education, by the Education faculty through research, and conference attendance provides for a dynamic learning environment.

Admission Requirements
The admissions requirements for the education graduate programs can be found in the Admission Information section of the catalog.

Educator Licensure Information
For those seeking an educator license, the course work will encompass the competencies required for a teacher or administrator under Massachusetts licensure regulations. Graduate candidates may be required to complete prerequisites depending on the content of their undergraduate study, so that they can fulfill the content of our approved programs. Students who seek licensure must also complete the fieldwork requirement pertaining to the license for which they will apply, and pass the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (communication and literacy skills, and subject matter knowledge appropriate to license sought).

Standards for Practicum Placement
To be eligible for practicum placement, students pursuing an initial license must meet the standards found on page 6 for all educator preparation programs.

  1. Have an overall GPA of 3.0 or better.
  2. Have scored a 70 or better on all required MTEL exams for license sought, i.e., Communication and Literacy Skills Test and the appropriate subject tests (where they are required).
  3. Obtain a grade of “B” or better in designated methods courses: Early Childhood - EDUC 551, 555 and 627 Elementary - EDUC 551, 552 and 627 Secondary - EDUC 585, 628 and 640 Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities - EDUC 542, 640, 673 and 683
  4. Demonstrate the personal characteristics needed to become an educator (for example, responsible, dependable, hard working, professional, committed to the field of education, etc.)

Those who are seeking a Master’s degree for enrichment of their professional abilities, without licensure, will complete the required course work in the Educational Studies Program or the non-license track of the Early Childhood, Elementary, Secondary Education and Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities, or Administration programs.

For more information regarding graduate program opportunities in the Education Department, please contact the department directly at (413) 748-3295 or www.spfldcol.edu/Education.

Program/Concentration Requirements:

Total semester hours for program/concentration = 26 s.h.

This course of study is subject to change based on the requirements of the Massachusetts Department of Education licensing regulations.

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