Graduate student reading to elementary school students

Early Childhood Education B.A. (UWW)

Interdisciplinary Studies BA - Concentration Early Childhood Education

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Working paraprofessionals can achieve their BA and fulfill the requirements leading to Massachusetts initial licensure (PreK–2). Early Childhood Education while continuing to work. Students engage in a rigorous academic program in collaboration with partner districts will work with the students to successfully complete the coursework. 

This licensure program is a partnership between the University Without Walls Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, the College of Education, and five local school districts (Springfield, Holyoke, Amherst, Hampden Wilbraham, and Chicopee). Working paraprofessionals (within the specific districts) can achieve their B.A. and fulfill the requirements leading to Massachusetts initial teacher licensure (PreK–2) Early Childhood Education while continuing to work. Students engage in a rigorous academic program in collaboration with partner districts, which will work with the students to successfully complete the coursework and practicum requirements. 

If you would like to speak with someone directly, please call the UWW Department of Interdisciplinary Studies office at 413-545-1378

Featured class

Education 428
Language and Literacy Development in Early Childhood Curriculum

Learn current approaches, methods, and materials of reading instruction. Theorize about the reading process and children's acquisition of written language.

Children, Families, & Schools

The Children, Families, & Schools program addresses the need for educators who are able to meet the educational and developmental needs of children.

Early Childhood Education

Early Childhood Education and working with students in classrooms as teachers, working in non-profits, early intervention, and/or educational consulting

Licensure

All Educator Licensure programs at the University of Massachusetts Amherst are approved by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Second Education to meet licensure requirements in the state of Massachusetts ONLY.  

Many US states are signatories to the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement which facilitates the mobility of educators among the states that are members of NASDTEC. This agreement makes it possible for an educator who completed an approved program and/or who holds a certificate or license in one jurisdiction to earn a certificate or license in another state or jurisdiction, with possible additional requirements. 

If you are seeking licensure in another state, here is a Teacher Licensure Agency Directory for you to contact other states.