The minor is preparation for career opportunities with children from birth through age six in the mixed delivery system outside the public schools. It provides the necessary course work for MA Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) Lead Teacher, Infant Toddler, and/or Preschool and Director I certification. The course work is professional preparation in understanding the developmental stages of young children, developmentally appropriate teaching methodologies, adaptive curriculum planning, partnering with families, and evaluation of children and programs. The minor is appropriate for students who are considering a career working with young children in the fields of early childhood education, social work, psychology or health services. This minor will strengthen the marketability of the student’s major program.