Early Childhood Technology
The Tufts Early Childhood Technology (ECT) certificate program is designed for educators and practitioners working with young children in pre-kindergarten through second grade in diverse educational settings such as schools, museums, libraries, and daycares. The program will develop students' knowledge and skills in technology and engineering with a focus on early childhood.
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Program Description
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Faculty
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Application Requirements
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Tuition and Curriculum
Questions about your application?
Contact us:
Office of Graduate Admissions
Bendetson Hall
Medford, MA 02155
(617) 627-3395
gradadmissions@tufts.edu
The ECT's three-course program is designed to introduce the teaching of technology and engineering in early childhood in a developmentally appropriate way that focuses on playful learning. Additionally, this program develops students’ teaching practices and assessment methods, and their understanding of student learning through integrated curricula that includes the arts and literacy as well as STEM. Participants who complete the program will be prepared to implement high quality technology and engineering activities in diverse learning environments. They will leave the program with a deep knowledge of pedagogical approaches to early childhood technology education.
A Message from the Program Directors
Virtual Information Sessions
Please join us for an upcoming virtual information session to learn more about the ECT certificate program.
Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at 4:00 PM ET
Register
Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at 5:00 PM ET
Register
Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at 4:00 PM ET
Register
Visit the Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Study and Human Development
Related Programs:
Marina Umaschi Bers, Program Director
Professor Marina Umaschi Bers is a professor at the Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Study and Human Development and an adjunct professor in the Computer Science Department at Tufts University. She heads the interdisciplinary Developmental Technologies Research Group. Her research involves the design and study of innovative learning technologies to promote children's positive development.
Amanda Strawhacker, Associate Director
Amanda Strawhacker is the associate director for the Early Childhood Technology (ECT) Graduate Certificate Program. Her work involves teaching, developing curriculum and professional learning around educational technology.
Amanda Sullivan, Online Lecturer, Tufts ECT Program
Amanda Sullivan is a researcher and educator whose work involves developing and evaluating new technologies and curricula for young children, with a specific focus on engaging girls in STEM. She is the author of the book Breaking the STEM Stereotype: Reaching Girls in Early Childhood.
View a full list of Eliot-Pearson Department of Child Study & Human Development faculty.
Application Deadline
Fall: August 1 (all applicants)
Application Requirements
> Application Fee
> Resume/CV
> Personal Statement
> Essay
- Please provide a description of a significant science, technology, engineering, arts, or mathematical (STEAM) learning experience that you have had (or experienced with a student) that inspires you to be a part of this program.
> Official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test, if applicable
> Transcripts
> One Letter of Recommendation
Tuition
Please see the Tuition and Aid page for information about tuition.
Curriculum
The program consists of two online courses and a one week in-person summer residency. The first online course provides a foundational introduction to educational technology (Online Seminar on Technological Tools for Playful Learning). The second course (Online Seminar in Designing Educational and Technological Environments for Children) explores designing tech-rich spaces for children such as makerspaces, classroom centers, libraries, and museum exhibits.
Finally, the program culminates with a one-week in-person Early Childhood Technology Residency (the last required class). This intensive residency allows students to spend one week working with program faculty from the DevTech Research Group and exploring curriculum development with educational technologies. During this time, students will also get to work hands-on with children, implementing curricular experiences at the Eliot-Pearson Children’s School and complete guided observations in a supervised setting. This residency also allows students to build connections with their certificate program cohort.