Early Childhood Education

The Associate Degree has a practicum. Junior students tutor students in math and or reading as part of coursework. Student teaching and tutoring placements occur in local schools and child care centers.

The demand for Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers is expected to rise 6% from 2014 to 2024, an increase of 87,800 jobs.

The average median wage for a kindergarten teacher excluding special education) in the state of Pennsylvania is $52,790.  The average median wage for an elementary school teacher (excluding special education) in the state of Pennsylvania is $61,730.

*Bureau of Labor Statistics

Graduates from the program will:

• use their knowledge of the liberal arts to engage students in a curriculum that values life-long learning, and that engages the whole child in all facets of learning including creativity, inquiry, and reflection;
• use effective communication strategies when interacting with various audiences such as students, parents, and other professionals;
• base teaching and learning strategies on child development theories and best practices;
• possess a knowledge of technology as an educational resource, an instructional tool, and as a curriculum component;
• use effective methodology in developing instructional plans that include active engagement in learning, problem solving, critical thinking, and inquiry;
• use differentiated instruction to address the learning needs of a diverse student population including English Language Learners;
• demonstrate the use of informal and formal assessment strategies;
• engage in professional development including scholarly research and writing and innovative and reflective practice that leads to lifelong learning;
• demonstrate a passion for learning and teaching that includes advocacy for students and the profession, service to others, and professional collaboration; and
• be able to gain certification in her or his area of study and gain an entry level position in an educational setting and/or pursue graduate study.