Middlesex Community College

Early Childhood Education Assistant Teacher Certificate

Whether you're looking to begin or advance your career—MCC is a great place to begin your future.


The Early Childhood Education Assistant Teacher Certificate program is designed for individuals who wish to work directly with children to provide quality classroom support for both children and other educational professionals, such as lead teachers and specialists.  The Assistant Teacher Certificate is recommended for students who are just entering the field of Early Childhood Education (ECE) or those who do not wish to seek MA Early Education and Care (EEC) Lead Teacher (Level 2) certification or an Associate degree at this time.

Graduates of the Early Childhood Education Assistant Teacher Certificate are prepared to meet all MA EEC education and experience requirements for Teacher (Level 1) certification, as well as NAEYC ECE I designation.  Students will be able to transfer 6 of the certificate credits toward an Associate degree in Early Childhood Education, and 3 credits and the Practicum hours toward MA EEC Lead Teacher (Level 2) certification.

Courses are delivered through a variety of modalities including weekend schedules, hybrid, online, and traditional face-to-face options, and students may be eligible for financial assistance through financial aid, scholarships and/or grant funding.  Please visit the ECE Career Pathways Grant page for more information.

MCC's new* Assistant Teacher Certificate is comprised of 7 courses (20 credits) which may be completed in two semesters: 

• EDU 100—Introduction to Early Childhood Education (3 credits)
• IDS 101—First Year Experience  or  IDS 121—Digital Literacy (1 credit)
• EDU 122—Child Growth and Development (3 credits)
• EDU 154—Health, Safety and Nutrition in Early Childhood Education (3 credits)
• COM 103—Public Speaking and Prof. Presentations (3 credits)
• EDU Elective (3 credits)
• EDU 109—Supervised Practicum and Seminar for Assistant Teacher Certificate (4 credits)

* as of Fall 2024

Certificate students have access to all campus facilities, services, and programs including technology labs, civic and service-learning opportunities, student clubs and organizations, veteran's services, disability services, counseling, fitness and recreation centers, and the Asian-American Student Advancement Program.  For more information on what MCC has to offer students, please see MCC's Student Life page.

PROGRAM NOTES

• Students will need to apply for EEC teacher certification directly through the MA Department of Early Education and Care.
• ENG 101 eligibility is a prerequisite for EDU 100, EDU 122, and COM 103 courses.
• Successful completion of EDU 122 with a C- or better is a prerequisite for EDU 109.