Early Childhood Education Early Childhood Education Associate in Science Explore your interest in early childhood education with Greenfield Community College's certificate program, which provides an introduction to the field and a head start towards achieving an associate degree. Request Information Apply Now Education Department Program Contact Peggy Martalock (413) 775-1118 martalockp@gcc.mass.edu Program Overview Degree Requirements Learning Outcomes Faculty Career Outlook Upcoming Events No Events This program focuses on the education of infants, toddlers and preschoolers, integrating innovative and progressive approaches that pair coursework with direct experience in a variety of educational settings. Courses explore creativity, thinking and learning, inclusion and accommodations, child growth and development, curriculum development, and children’s literature. You'll have access to our Creative Thinking and Learning Studio, which is dedicated to supporting the practice of curiosity and divergent thinking among all ages. 65-66credits Associate in Science Associate in Science (AS) degrees are typically completed in two (2) years and designed for immediate workforce entry Learn more TransferGuaranteed admission and streamlined transfer to four-year state schools through MassTransfer!Learn more CORI/SORICORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) and/or additional background checks required for participation in this program.Learn more What's Next?With this degree, you will be eligible for lead teacher certification and prepared to teach in community-based early childhood programs such as Head Start, independent state and nationally accredited centers and licensed family day cares. You will also have the option to transfer to a four-year institution for a bachelor's degree. Child Development and Learning in Context – Early childhood educators are grounded in an understanding of the developmental period of early childhood from birth through age 8 across developmental domains. Family-Teacher Partnerships and Community Connections – Early childhood educators understand that successful early childhood education depends upon educators’ partnerships with the families of the young children they serve. Child Observation, Documentation, and Assessment – Early childhood educators understand that the primary purpose of assessments is to inform instruction and planning in early learning settings. Developmentally, Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Teaching Practices – Early childhood educators understand that teaching and learning with young children is a complex enterprise, and its details vary depending on children’s ages and characteristics and on the settings in which teaching and learning occur. Knowledge, Application and Integration of Academic Content in the Early Childhood Curriculum – Early childhood educators have knowledge of the content of the academic disciplines (e.g., language and literacy, the arts, mathematics, social studies, science, technology and engineering, physical education) and of the pedagogical methods for teaching each discipline. Professionalism as an Early Childhood Educator – Early childhood educators identify and participate as members of the early childhood profession Keira Durrett Adjunct FacultyEducationB.A., Wheaton College M.Ed., University of Massachusetts E116B DurrettK@gcc.mass.edu Peggy Martalock Faculty, Department ChairEducationB.A., University of Wisconsin–Madison M.E., University of Wisconsin–LaCrosse Ph.D., University of Massachusetts E116M 1-413-775-1118 MartalockP@gcc.mass.edu Peggy has over 20 years of experience in the field of early education and care. She approaches teaching and learning from a deep socio-cultural perspective with an emphasis on a strong image of the child. Peggy’s areas of expertise include emergent curriculum development, classroom design, use of open-ended materials, and documentation as a tool for reflective learning and authentic student evaluation. Peggy has extensive experience with the Reggio Emilia Approach. Her passion is collaborating with others to develop environments for young children, teachers, and families that are culturally responsive as well as aesthetically and intellectually engaging.Kim Ripley Adjunct FacultyAcademic Affairs ripleyk@gcc.mass.edu Carol Sartz Adjunct FacultyEducationM.A., Pacific Oaks College SartzC@gcc.mass.edu Cindy Spelman Adjunct FacultyAcademic AffairsB.A., Clark University M.Ed., C.A.G.S., University of Massachusetts–Amherst SpelmanC@gcc.mass.edu These are just examples of jobs that someone with an associate degree in Early Childhood Education might pursue. Our programs provide a solid foundation for many careers, but some paths may require additional education, or even a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Don’t worry! Our advisors are here to support you in planning your educational journey.