Education - Early Childhood Major (PreK - 2nd Grade)

This major is only granted in conjunction with an additional minor or major in another subject. Students must consult the early childhood program coordinators for guidance regarding courses required for the Massachusetts initial teaching license. This license does not automatically meet certification requirements outside of Massachusetts, but it can be converted to licensure in other states (some jurisdictions require additional exams, courses, and/or fees). Students must meet with one of the early childhood program coordinators before declaring their Education major.

Major requirements

Pre-Practicum Core Courses

(10 courses, 40 credits)

Two courses from the following:

All of the following courses:

Fieldwork

A student must complete a minimum of 25 hours of classroom observation, tutoring and teacher assisting in each of two pre-practicum courses (EDUC 385 ; EDUC 390 ). Additionally, a student must complete a minimum of 25 hours of observation and/or tutoring in an independent fieldwork experience in a diverse setting, which can be completed as part of student’s Sophomore Experience.

Practicum/Capstone Courses

(Senior year, second semester) (2 courses, 16 credits)

Practicum requirements

During the senior year, a student will complete a semester-long twelve-credit student teaching practicum plus a four-credit seminar in teaching methods. While student teaching, Wheaton students will intern at the cooperating schools for the entire school day and will follow the public school calendar. Students may take only one additional Wheaton course (4 credits) during the semester and this must be fulfilled after the regular school hours. A student must notify the department chair of any incomplete grade from the previous semester. An incomplete may disqualify the student from admission to the practicum. At least one hundred hours of practicum must be completed at the Pre-K through kindergarten level and at least 200 hours at the 1-2 level. One setting must be an inclusion classroom.

Student Teaching

During the student-teaching practicum (EDUC 496 ), students are evaluated according to the seven standards that define the knowledge and skills required of all Massachusetts teachers. If students fail to meet one of these standards, they will not be eligible for licensure.

Subject-Matter Knowledge
Well-Structured Lessons and Units
Meeting Diverse Needs
Adjustment to Practice
Safe Learning Environment
High Expectations
Reflective Practice

State Mandated Distribution Courses

A student must also take approximately five courses in the following areas: psychological foundations, children’s literature, the sciences, mathematics, and the social sciences. These requirements are normally met by careful selection of liberal arts courses that fulfill Wheaton’s Compass Curriculum requirements and may also help students qualify for Eliza Wheaton Honors. Consult the program coordinators for a list of courses that are especially recommended and that meet the state distribution requirements. Licensure regulations are determined by the state of Massachusetts; thus, students must stay abreast of possible changes.

Distribution courses include:

At least one Science course
Two courses in U.S. History, Political Science, Geography, and/or Economics
At least one Arts course

Additional information

Eligibility for EDUC 495 /EDUC 496 (the student-teaching practicum and seminar) requires a CGPA of 3.0, a B- or better in EDUC 230 , and a B or better in EDUC 385 and EDUC 390 , a 25-hour fieldwork experience in a setting with diverse learners, passing scores on the reading and writing subtests of the Communication and Literacy MTEL, taking the Early Childhood Education MTEL, and the Foundations of Reading MTEL; and maintenance of good social standing according to the Dean of Students with no conduct hearings pending. Students must also demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the Wheaton Education Department, promise of fulfilling all Massachusetts Professional Standards for Teachers, including the Professional Culture Standard (which must be demonstrated by behavior such as, but not limited to, appropriate professional communication and appropriate professional conduct with classmates, students, fieldwork supervisors, community members, and faculty).

The early childhood education program coordinators may grant waivers authorizing students to take alternative courses. These waivers are granted when students have taken a similar Wheaton course or a similar course at another institution. In extraordinary circumstances, the coordinator may grant waivers based on reading lists or assignments completed in multiple courses. Waivers may be granted for foundation courses or subject-matter courses, but not for EDUC 230 , EDUC 385 , EDUC 390 or EDUC 495 /EDUC 496 . Ordinarily, coordinators will grant no more than two waivers per student (exceptions are made for students who take relevant courses abroad).