Early Education and Care in Inclusive Settings (EECIS), BA Program
The Early Education and Care in Inclusive Setting (EECIS) program is an undergraduate major that combines Academic theory and professional knowledge and competencies. The EECIS major is designed for individuals who intend to work with children from birth through age 8 and their families in a wide variety of settings, including family child care, center-based programs, after-school programs and family support, early intervention programs and public school preK-grade 2. The EECIS program is designed for practitioners currently working in the field focused on the development of infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and youth as well as undergraduates interested in the growing field of early childhood studies. The EECIS course of study is aligned with the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care professional certification requirements, the competencies, and the standards of the National Association for the education of Young Children and the Division of Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children.
In this program, you will inquire into the nature of learning and teaching for different early childhood age ranges and ability levels. You will critically reflect on your own learning, and will become familiar with research findings on the development of concepts and skills in children and on the effectiveness of different modes of instruction. You will design curriculum and explore a variety of ways to assess each child’s development and learning, as well as strategies for using assessment as a means of improving instruction.
Who should apply for this degree?
- Students who plan to work in community programs
- Entry-level and experienced early childhood practitioners
- Traditional UMass Boston Students
- Transfer students who have their Associate’s Degree
Core EECIS courses for all concentrations
Degree Requirements and Concentrations
Students in the EECIS program are required to fulfill the requirements for a Bachelors Degree. See the General Education and Distribution Requirement and the EECIS Core courses link, and the concentration courses through the links below.
- Early Intervention
- Infant/Toddler Care and Education
- Preschool Education and Care
- Administration and Supervision
- Youth and Community Outreach
- Early Childhood Licensure*
*Licensure Concentration requires dual major in one of the liberal arts and sciences; and passing the Massachusetts Test for Educational Licensure MTEL
Field Experiences:
Internships are an integral part of each concentration. These field experiences will provide you with direct opportunities to work with children and families in inclusive settings. If you are currently employed in an early childhood program your current work site will be considered for internship placement whenever appropriate.
For information on how to apply for this program, please click on the link.
Click link for EECIS Concentration Declaration form.
- EECIS Concentration Declaration enrolled after 9-1-12
- EECIS Concentration Declaration enrolled before 9-1-12
Core EECIS courses for all concentrations
ECHD 201- Foundations of Early Intervention and Education for all Children
EDCG 406 - Sociocultural Perspectives: Building Family, Community and School Relationships
ECHD 211 - Child Growth and Development Birth to Age Eight – Including Special Needs
ECHD 440 - Language Development and Literacy in Early Childhood
ECHD 211 - Positive Learning Environments for Children With and Without Disabilities
ECHD 317 - Responsibility and Ethics in Early Education and Care
ECHD 422 - Observing, Documenting and Assessing in Early Childhood
ECHD 435 - Family Systems – Support and Engagement
