Early Childhood Education
The early childhood education program prepares you to teach in public and private elementary schools pre-K through grade 2 to young children without disabilities. The curriculum includes courses in early literacy, fine and large motor development, numeracy and science skills, and social and emotional development.
In addition, you take multiple courses in child development, special education, reading, and classroom management. Of great benefit and convenience is the Bay Path College Preschool located on campus. This facility gives you first-hand experience working with young children through observations and teaching and is invaluable in developing confidence in teaching.
This program has been approved by the Massachusetts Department of Education. Students earn an initial license, grades PreK-2, issued by the Massachusetts Department of Education. The PreK-2 teaching license qualifies for reciprocity with states that participate in the Interstate Agreement and endorse similar licensure. This allows Bay Path College education graduates to teach in states other than Massachusetts.
Pre-Practicum:
Prior to student teaching (practicum), a student must complete a supervised pre-practicum in a public elementary school. Pre-practicum is a field-based experience, is preparatory for student teaching, and is part of the senior year experience. Placement is done in conjunction with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education public school and central office of a school district. In order to qualify for a placement, the student must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (B) or better, must pass all required MTEL exams, must be in good standing at the College, must complete a CORI (Criminal Offense Records Investigation) check, and any other requirements as mandated by a school district. As part of the pre-practicum experience, the student will participate in a weekly seminar session with a program supervisor.
Practicum (Student Teaching):
Practicum is a field-based experience in a public elementary school, supervised jointly by a public school teacher and college supervisor. Practicum is part of the senior year experience and is a full-time commitment. Practicum hours are earned over a 12-week period; students must complete a minimum of 300 hours. Placement is done in conjunction with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, public school, and central office of a school district. In order to qualify for a placement, the student must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (B) or better, must pass all required MTEL exams, must have successfully completed pre-practicum, must be in good standing at the College, must complete a CORI (Criminal Offense Records Investigation) check, and any other requirements as mandated by a school district. As part of the practicum experience, the student will participate in a weekly seminar session with a program supervisor. It is recommended that Bay Path students do not take courses or hold employment during the practicum semester.
The Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL)
Effective as of February 21, 1998, candidates applying for their first teaching credential (initial licensure) will be required to pass The Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL). The purpose of the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) is to help ensure that a licensed educator has the knowledge and skills essential to teach in Massachusetts public schools. Bay Path education students must pass the entire MTEL prior to entering the senior year.
Massachusetts regulations for initial licensure in Early Childhood and Elementary Education require candidates to pass three exams:
- Communication and Literacy (a test of reading and writing),
- A subject test in either Early Childhood Education or General Curriculum,
- Foundations of Reading (a test on the subject of reading).
Students who wish to become certified in states outside of Massachusetts must also pass any additional examinations given by that state.
It is the student’s responsibility to register for the tests and to be aware of registration deadlines and rules of test participation. Students must designate Bay Path College as the institution of higher education to receive the score report. It is the student’s responsibility to submit all necessary documentation for alternative testing arrangements should she feel they are warranted. Decisions on alternative testing arrangements are made by the MTEL, not Bay Path College.
Exit from the Education Program:
To exit from the Education Program and be considered a program completer, the student must successfully complete all paper and performance requirements as stipulated by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. As part of completion of practicum requirements, the student must demonstrate teaching competency through successful completion of a Preservice Performance Assessment developed by the Massachusetts Department of Education. The student’s performance on this instrument is evaluated primarily by the supervising practitioner (teacher) in cooperation with the program supervisor from the College.
