About Early Childhood Education BA
Subject Matter Knowledge - Early Childhood PreK-2 Teacher Candidates
Early childhood teacher candidates are expected to demonstrate the content knowledge needed to effectively support students in mastering the expectations as outlined in the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks. This Includes content knowledge in the following broad areas:
- English Language Arts
- History and Social Science
- Science and Technology/Engineering
- Mathematics
- Digital Literacy and Computer Science
- Child Development
- Special Education*
- English Language Learning*
Prior to admission to the Early Childhood Licensure Program, students should work with their advisor to carefully select general education and other courses that support development of this content knowledge. *Special education and English language learning content understanding are developed once student have been accepted to the major.
Academic and Advising forms
View information on academic and advising forms.
Academic Advising
Students apply to the program in the spring of their sophomore year and admitted in their junior year. Prior to admission, students who plan to apply receive advising from the Education Advising Center (Furcolo Hall). Once accepted, an Early Childhood Education faculty member will serve as the academic advisor.
MTEL Preparation Workshops
The College offers MTEL preparation workshops that help students develop skills and provide strategies to help manage your time and test anxiety. MTEL workshops are free for UMass Amherst, Greenfield Community College, Holyoke Community College and Springfield Technical Community College. Click here for registration information.
Licensure
This programs leads to initial teacher licensure in Massachusetts. Because of reciprocity agreements between states, you may be able to transfer your license to another state. However, the College of Education at UMass Amherst makes no guarantees that this program meets teacher licensure requirements in any state other than Massachusetts. If you are seeking licensure in another state, click on the link below for the program of your choice for more information. For assistance in determining whether this program will be appropriate for you, send your inquiry to the program contact identified in the program description. Access to your state’s licensing agency is available on the Teacher Licensure Agency Directory.
Contact Information
Please contact the Education Advising Center (education [at] umass [dot] edu (education[at]umass[dot]edu) or 413-545-2231) for more information on the Education major.