Did you enjoy playing “school” as a child? Do you like playing games, doing craft projects, and reading stories? Do you spend time volunteering with children? If so, you should consider a degree in Early Childhood Education!
This program provides students with the knowledge to apply general and early childhood education theory and practice. Students work to create effective learning environments and interactions for all children, from birth to fourth grade. Students following this degree track develop the professional knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to successfully work in private or public early childhood educational settings.
Our Early Childhood Education degree is an Associate of Arts, meaning it is designed to help students easily transfer their associate degree credits to any bachelor’s degree program in Early Childhood Education or a related field, at the four-year institution of their choice. Students will also be prepared to enter the workforce after earning their degree. Many child care programs welcome qualified applicants after graduation with a degree in Early Childhood Education.
Program Objectives
The program objectives for this degree will follow the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Transfer and Articulation Oversight Committee (TAOC) and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards as follows:
- Standard 1: Promoting Child Development and Learning
- Standard 2: Building Family and Community Relationships
- Standard 3: Observing, Documenting and Assessing to Support Young Children and Families
- Standard 4: Using Developmentally Effective Approaches to Connect with Children and Families
- Standard 5: Using Content Knowledge to Build Meaningful Curriculum
- Standard 6: Becoming a Professional
Transfer Opportunities
Your ability to start here and earn a bachelor’s degree anywhere makes Penn Highlands the right college choice. Plus, you will save thousands of dollars. Be smart, and get your associate degree with us before transferring on to something greater.
Penn Highlands has signed transfer agreements to continue your studies in Early Childhood Education with:
- American Public University
- Bloomsburg University
- California University of Pennsylvania
- Carlow University
- Cheyney University
- Clarion University
- DeSales University
- East Stroudsburg University
- Edinboro University
- Franklin University
- Grand Canyon University
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania
- Kaplan University
- Kutztown University
- La Roche University
- Lincoln University
- Lock Haven University
- Mansfield University
- Millersville University
- Mount Aloysius College
- Potomac College
- Saint Francis University
- Saint Joseph’s University
- Shippensburg University
- Slippery Rock University
- Susquehanna University
- University of Maryland Global Campus
- University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown
- West Chester University
- Western Governor’s University
Ready? Schedule a visit to discuss your future. Transfer options are different based on the college you plan to attend; our team can help you determine the right path for what you are looking for.