Early Education and Care
In the Early Education and Care program at North Quincy, we are dedicated to providing up-to-date, comprehensive training for students who want to make a positive impact on the lives of young children. Our program offers a curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on experiences, preparing students for a rewarding career in early childhood education.
Interactive Learning: Our courses are designed as interactive, hands-on experiences, focusing on the growth and development of children from conception to nine years old.
Real-world Exposure: Students gain valuable insights through observations and practical experiences in early childhood classrooms, fostering a deep understanding of child development.
Portfolio Development: Starting junior year, students create portfolios that showcase pre-clinical checklists, evaluations, competency-based frameworks, writing samples, and their philosophy of education.
Post-Graduate Opportunities
To be eligible for licensing by the Massachusetts Department of Education Early Education and Care Qualifications Unit, students must have completed two years of Child Development coursework and over 150 hours of classroom experience within an infant/toddler care and/or preschool EEC Licensed program.
Many public, government, and private childcare centers require at least a two-year associate's degree. Smaller, home-based childcare may accept high-school-only training. A bachelor's degree in education is required to teach at most public schools. Some centers may also require certifications and ongoing licenses.
Upon graduation, students from the Early Education and Care program can pursue various career paths:
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Preschool Teachers: Graduates can work as preschool teachers and, with two years of teaching experience, can advance to become lead teachers, taking on more responsibilities within educational settings.
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Nanny: Students are well-equipped to provide families with personalized, in-home childcare services.
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College Enrollment: This program also positions students for college enrollment in education degree programs, opening doors to further career advancement.
Careers
About 58% of educators work at a childcare center, and 17% are employed in religious, civic, and social organizations. About 16% work in public schools and 3% work as nannies or directly for families.
With advanced training and/or additional experience, childcare workers may also pursue director-level positions in the industry, public or private school teaching positions, instructional positions, curriculum development, or education consultancies.
Average Salary
Average earnings in Massachusetts are $43,710 for workers with a 2-year associate's degree. Preschool teachers without post-high school training average $30,210. Preschool and elementary school teachers with bachelor's degrees earn an average of $61,030.
Industry/Career Outlook
Job growth is predicted to be 18% over the next 10 years in the childcare industry. High turnover means that jobs are readily available. New regulations mean additional training and certifications. Many childcare centers are adding infant/toddler rooms and private Kindergarten classes. Many public school systems offer integrated preschools as a placement choice. Businesses may offer in-house or contracted childcare services.
Training
In our Early Education and Care program, students will learn to foster child development by gaining expertise in child psychology, effective communication, and classroom management. They will learn to develop curricula and how to assess children's progress. We emphasize teamwork, adaptability, and ethical considerations, ensuring our graduates are well-equipped to create warm and inclusive learning environments, collaborate with all stakeholders, and navigate legal and regulatory frameworks in the field.
Certifications/Licenses
Students may graduate from our program with the following certifications:
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Certificate of Occupational Proficiency – Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care
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American Heart Association – Adult, Child, Infant CPR, AED
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American Heart Association – Adult and Pediatric First Aid
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American Heart Association – Basic Life Support for Health Care Provider
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EEC Early Education and Care Infant/Toddler Teacher Certificate
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EEC Early Education and Care Preschool Teacher Certificate
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Middlesex Children’s Advocacy Center-51A Mandated Reporter Training
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Massachusetts Start Strong EEC Essentials Training
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Child Abuse and Neglect
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Emergency Response
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Food Related Risk and Response
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Hazardous Materials
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Infectious Diseases and Immunizations
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Introduction to First Aid and CPR
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Medication Administration
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Physical Premises Safety
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Safe Sleeping Practices
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Shaken Baby Syndrome
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Transporting Children
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Introduction to Child Growth & Development
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Career Safe
Articulation Agreements
Students may earn college credits and/or scholarships via local colleges:
Quincy College Pathways Program – 15 credits
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Students who complete the NQHS Early Education and Care 1, 2, and 3 courses can request a Quincy College transcript reflecting 15 credits of college coursework at no cost to the student.
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EDU 101 Introduction to Early Childhood Education - 3 credits
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PSY 103 Child Development – 3 credits
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EDU 107: Health and Nutrition for Preschoolers – 3 credits
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EDU 110 Observation and Participations - 3 credits
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EDU 117 Positive Guidance for Young Children – 3 credits
Recommended Course of Study
Grade 9
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English
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Foreign Language
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Mathematics
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Science
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Social Studies
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Physical Education
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1 Elective Course
Grade 10
Grade 11
Grade 12
Suggested Electives
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Entrepreneurship 9, 10 (half year 2.5 credits)
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Intro to Health and Human Services 10 (1/2 year 2.5 credits)
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Nutrition and Wellness 9 (half year 2.5 credits)
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Personal Finance 11, 12 (full year 5 credits)
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Public Speaking 11, 12 (half year 2.5 credits)
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Financial Literacy 11, 12 (half year 2.5 credits)
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Computer Apps: DOCS 9, 10, 11, 12 (half year 2.5 credits)
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Computer Apps: SHEETS 9, 10, 11, 12 (half year 2.5 credits)
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Technology for the 21st Century 9, 10, 11, 12 (half year 2.5 credits)