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The first few years of life are crucial to developing a child's identity, as well as communication and problem-solving skills. As an early childhood professional, you will help young children develop awareness of social interaction, curiosity, and communication methods through music, art, reading, and other mediums. Our students are passionate about opening the world of learning to young children. They love working with families and learning about different cultures, languages, and ways of raising children.

We combine educational philosophy and theory with hands-on experience and practical skills. You will learn how children develop and learn; how to address racism, sexism, and bias of all types with young children and their families; how to address the different needs of every child; and how to build curriculum based on children's development and growth.

Program Options

If you're interested in teaching in public schools, you may choose the Early Childhood Inclusive Teacher option. Upon successful completion of this major, you'll be eligible for an initial license in Early Childhood Education (Pre-Kindergarten to 2nd Grade). This license qualifies you to teach in public or private schools in Massachusetts and to apply for the corresponding license in Rhode Island. In addition, Wheelock is nationally accredited, which will give you an advantage when you seek employment and if you apply for licensure in other states or abroad.

Or you may choose the Child Development Specialist option, which provides you with the education and skills to work in private schools, child care centers, museums, after school and arts programs, and more.

In addition to a professional major in Early Childhood Education, you will choose an arts and sciences major (American Studies, the Arts, Communications and Media Literacy, Human Development, the Humanities, or Math/Science).

• See a full Course List for the Early Childhood Education major: Birth - Age 5 Specialist with Infant/Toddler Focus.
• See a full Course List for the Early Childhood Education major: Birth - Age 5 Specialist with PreK-K Focus.
• See a full Course List for the Early Childhood Education major: Preschool-Grade 2 Specialist: Inclusive Classroom Teacher.
• Meet the Early Childhood Education faculty members.

Field Experience

You'll begin field experiences in your first semester and have two supervised student teaching experiences in your junior and/or senior year.

You'll have the opportunity to observe and learn from experienced teachers in classrooms and at childcare centers throughout the Boston metropolitan area.

Sample Courses

• Early Childhood Practicum and Seminar
• Mathematics for Young Children in a Diverse Society
• Principles of Early Childhood Education in a Diverse Society
• Racial and Cultural Identities
• Early Literacy for Young Children

Skills You'll Learn

• Individualize curriculum and teaching for each child
• Plan and teach curriculum in all content areas for young children
• Create positive relationships with children and families
• Guide children's growth and behavior by focusing on their strengths
• Create partnerships with families and include them in their children's education
• Work with children who have a variety of special needs

Potential Careers

• Early childhood teacher
• Childcare center director
• Children's museum educator
• Children's publishing professional
• Create or sell healthy, positive toys for young children

Potential Graduate Study

• Art therapy
• Child and family therapy
• Drama therapy
• Early intervention
• Early childhood education