Education: Early Childhood (Birth to 4th Grade)

Students are required to satisfy placement at the time of admission. Students identified as needing developmental work must satisfactorily complete the appropriate developmental English and mathematics courses as part of the program.

Because students will be required to observe and work with young children the Program requires students to meet the requirements of the Child Protective Services Law, 23 Pa. C.S.A., section 6344 (relating to prospective child care personnel). Students must therefore present up-to-date Pennsylvania criminal history reports, Federal Bureau of Investigation criminal history reports, Department of Public Welfare (child abuse) reports, and health clearances, clearly stating that they are eligible to work with children. (Up-to-date clearance is defined as being no more than 12 months old on the first day of working with children.) Failure to produce up-to-date clearances or a change of clearance status may result in a student's removal from the program. A student who believes that an error of fact has been made in his/her removal may appeal that decision. Information regarding the appeal procedure will be provided with the letter of removal.

To qualify for the Associate in Arts (A.A.) Degree in Education: Early Childhood (Birth-4th grade) program, a student must complete a minimum of 62 credit hours as described in the course listing below. Students enrolled this program who are also enrolled in the Early Childhood Education Proficiency Certificate must complete an additional course, ED 151: Health, Safety and Nutrition of Young Children, resulting in 65 credits. In addition, the student must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0, and a minimum grade of "C" in all Education courses. During their matriculation in the Education: Early Childhood (Birth-4th grade), it is strongly recommended that students meet with a designated Education academic advisor to choose their courses. Students whose behavior is viewed as inconsistent with professional standards may be dropped from the curriculum pending a departmental hearing.

Prior Learning Assessment:

Students may be eligible to apply for credits for prior learning. Interested students should contact the program coordinator for further information regarding the criteria and an application.

All general education requirements necessary for graduation are met through the courses in the program as indicated above. Students who wish to take courses that differ from the general education courses indicated above must complete a course substitution request form. To access the form, login to the MyCCP portal, and in the Student tab, under Electronic Forms, click on the Records and Registration Forms link, then choose Request For Course Substitution Of Graduation Requirement link. A more detailed explanation of the College's general education requirements is also available.

Upon completion of the Program students receive an Associate in Arts degree and may either enter the workforce or transfer to a baccalaureate program in Education.

Because the curriculum supports the needs of those wishing to pursue a variety of options including transfer, it is highly recommended that students consult Program advisors, catalogs, and transfer worksheets available in the Career and Transfer Center in order to make appropriate course selections.

Graduates of the Program will be prepared to work as childcare practitioners and directors, parent educators, children's recreation staff, teacher assistants and instructional aides. Graduates who wish to become certified teachers will need to transfer to and complete a Pennsylvania Department of Education approved teacher certification program at a four year college or university.

Upon successful completion of the Education: Early Childhood degree program graduates will be able to:

• Identify key theories of child development
• Responsibly apply systemic observation, documentation, and other assessment techniques, in partnership with families and other professionals
• Design, implement, and assess differentiated curricula and experiences to positively influence the development of every child
• Demonstrate ethical and professional standards and make decisions as part of continuous collaborative learning, informed reflective practice, and diverse field experiences
• Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills in the discourse of the discipline.