The  Early Education & Child Development degree (621.3) and certificate (622.3) programs will change to Early Education & Child Development (degree) (621.4) and Early Education & Child Development (certificate) (622.4) as of the Fall, 2010 semester. Students already enrolled in Early Education & Child Development may complete the current program or move to the degree (621.4) or certificate (622.4) program. Students should discuss these options with their advisors.  

Early Education & Child Development program fact sheet

Early Education & Child Development (degree) 
Early Education & Child Development (certificate)

Early Childhood Director Core Certificate

Early Education & Child Development (AS)

ALLEGHENY, BOYCE, NORTH, SOUTH  
Associate of Science (621.3)

This program prepares students for an entry-level position working with infants, children, adolescents and their families in a variety of settings.

Students learn about diversity when working with children and their families as well as techniques for working with children who have special needs.

While many students choose this program as preparation for entry-level career opportunities, others use it as the foundation for long-range educational and professional goals. Many graduates have transferred to four-year colleges and universities. Students interested in transferring should discuss this with the transfer counselor. Some students choose this program to gain a better understanding of parenting.

Through classes and practicums, the students learn about professionalism, human development, health, mental health, infant and childcare agencies, family relationships, laws and regulations governing the welfare of children and their families and community resources available for working with children and their families.

Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

• integrate appropriate theories and practices, general and content knowledge and professional and pedagogical knowledge to create and implement and developmentally appropriate experiences for children and their families;
• work with children of diverse ages and abilities and their families by participating in supervised practicum experiences in multiple types of inclusive child care and educational environments;
• identify core values and ethical behavior standards of the profession by exercising sensitivity, professionalism, confidentiality and competency when interacting with children, families, co-workers, community representatives and policy agents;
• find community resources to support families and their children's development, learning and well-being; and
• employ appropriate discipline terminology and professional tone in written and oral communication in descriptive and applied observation and documentation strategies to positively influence children's growth and development.

Students must be eligible for clearances through the Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Clearance Check and the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare Child Abuse History Record Check. Additionally, if required by a field/practicum site, students will need to obtain the FBI Criminal History Record Check (ACT114).

Career opportunities exist in infant/toddler centers, day care centers, nursery schools, pre-school programs, before and after school programs, private and public schools, hospitals, therapeutic daycare and residential centers, group homes, community living arrangements and private homes.

Upon completion of this program, students may seek employment as a Director of a day care facility, a child care provider or an early childhood educational specialist.

See the Checksheet  for this program in printable PDF form.

Degree Requirements

Minimum Credits to Graduate: 60–62

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Early Education & Child Development (Certificate)

This program will change to Early Education & Child Development (certificate) (622.4) as of the Fall, 2010 semester. Students already enrolled in  Early Education & Child Development (certificate)(622.3) may complete the current program or move to the  Early Education & Child Development (622.4). Students should discuss these options with their advisors.  

ALLEGHENY, BOYCE, NORTH, SOUTH  
Certificate (622.3)  

This program is primarily for students who work with children and/or their families. It provides theoretical and practical information enabling students to develop job skills for working with infants, toddlers, school age children and their families. Students learn the developmental needs of children and developmentally appropriate activities for children of various ages. Students receive the training in the physical, social, emotional and psychological needs of children. Information on children with special needs and the impacts on their families are included in the program along with an emphasis on diversity and the professionalism needed for working with children and their families. Students become aware of the effects of social conditions on the development of children and study the laws and regulations pertaining to children and agencies that work with them.

Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

• integrate appropriate theories and practices, general and content knowledge and professional and pedagogical knowledge to create and implement and developmentally appropriate experiences for children and their families;
• work with children of diverse ages and abilities and their families by participating in supervised practicum experiences in multiple types of inclusive child care and educational environments;
• identify core values and ethical behavior standards of the profession by exercising sensitivity, professionalism, confidentiality and competency when interacting with children, families, co-workers, community representatives and policy agents;
• find community resources to support families and their children's development, learning and well-being; and
• employ appropriate discipline terminology and professional tone in written and oral communication in descriptive and applied observation and documentation strategies to positively influence children's growth and development.

Students can complete the certificate before pursuing a degree program. Courses in the program are also helpful for parents.

Students must be eligible for obtaining clearances through the Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Check and the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare Child Abuse History Check. Additionally, if required by a field/practicum site, students will need to obtain the FBI Criminal History Record Check (ACT114).

Completion of this program enables students to work in child care centers, family day care homes, schools, agencies serving students with special needs or as in-home child care professionals. Graduates may seek employment as a day care assistant, nanny or as a early childhood educational assistant.

See the Checksheet for this program in printable PDF form.

Certificate Requirements

Minimum Credits to Graduate: 30

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