Why Choose Early Childhood & Education?
CCAC's Education programs prepare students for entry-level positions working with children and youth in a variety of settings. Students learn about best practices in direct care, education and diversity, and learn techniques for working with children who have special needs. Through classes, weekly field observations and practicums, students gain skills and knowledge regarding human development, health, infant and child care agencies, family relationships, the laws and regulations governing the welfare of children and their families, and available community resources.
Completion of these programs enables students to work in child care centers, family child care homes, schools, agencies serving students with special needs or as in-home child care professionals. The degree programs also prepare students for transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor's degree in education-related fields.
Accreditation
The A.S. Early Education and Child Development program at Community College of Allegheny County is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, www.naeyc.org. The accreditation term runs through July 2026.
NAEYC Reporting Program Outcome 9.2025
Certified teachers: Need Act 48 credits? CCAC is a convenient and affordable option for Pennsylvania-certified teachers to complete their Act 48 continuing professional education requirements. See Act 48 Academy.
Required Clearances
Students must have three current clearances: FBI Fingerprint Clearance, a Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Clearance, and a Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare Child Abuse History Clearance. Students must also meet the local requirements of the field placement site, including the National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) Verification Clearance.
Contact your ECD/EDU instructor for more information.
Early Education & Child Development, Transfer, A.S. (621.7)
The program is a transfer-oriented program designed to prepare students for transfer into a four-year institution leading to teacher certification in early childhood education. Grounded in the developmental continuum from birth through grade four, the curriculum integrates foundational coursework in child development, curriculum planning, family engagement, and inclusive practices, aligned with Pennsylvania Department of Education program expectations and National Association for the Education of Young Children professional standards.
Students engage in structured field experiences across diverse early learning settings, enabling the application of theory to practice and the development of reflective, evidence-based teaching competencies. The program emphasizes culturally responsive pedagogy, ethical professionalism, and the use of observation and assessment to inform instruction. Upon completion, graduates are well-positioned to transfer into baccalaureate programs that lead to Early Childhood Education teacher certification, with a strong academic foundation and practical experience to support success in advanced study and the teaching profession. Students must have valid clearances: FBI Fingerprint Clearance, a Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Clearance, and a Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare Child Abuse History Clearance. Students must also meet the local requirements of the field placement site, including the National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) Verification Clearance.
Education Paraprofessional, A.S. (679.4)
These programs are optimal for individuals who like to work with children and want to help them be successful in school. Students learn the skills necessary to work as a classroom aide or teacher's assistant. Emphasis is placed on mastering reading, writing and mathematical skills along with techniques for assisting students with special needs.
Graduates may seek employment as a teacher's aide in a regular classroom setting or as an educational specialist, education technician or recreational assistant in a public or private school.
Teacher Education: Middle Level & Secondary, A.S. (099.5)
Designed for students who desire to become middle level or secondary school teachers, this program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary for transfer to a four-year institution. Graduates achieving a minimum 3.0 GPA are eligible to transfer to a bachelor's degree program in Education, leading to Middle Level or Secondary Teacher certification in grades 4–8 or 7–12.
Teacher certification candidates must successfully pass the required Pre-service Academic Performance Assessment (PAPA) or PRAXIS® Core Academics Skills for Educators tests.
Early Education & Child Development, Career, A.S. (686)
This program is a career-focused degree designed to prepare students for immediate employment in the early childhood education workforce. Centered on the developmental needs of working with infants, young children, adolescents and their families in a variety of settings, the program provides applied coursework in child development, curriculum implementation, behavior guidance, health and safety, and family engagement, aligned with expectations from the professional standards established by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Students complete supervised field experiences in a variety of early learning environments, building practical competencies in observation, assessment, and developmentally appropriate practice. Emphasis is placed on culturally responsive teaching, inclusive practices, and ethical professionalism to support diverse learners and families. Graduates are prepared for entry-level and advancing roles in early care and education settings, including child care centers, Head Start programs, and pre-kindergarten classrooms, with the skills necessary to contribute effectively to high-quality early learning programs. Students must have valid clearances: FBI Fingerprint Clearance, a Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Clearance, and a Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare Child Abuse History Clearance. Students must also meet the local requirements of the field placement site, including the National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) Verification Clearance.
Child Care, Diploma (655.4)
This program prepares students for entry-level positions in the enriching field of child development. Through specialized courses on the physical, emotional, social and cognitive development of infants, toddlers and preschool-age children, students learn about the job responsibilities related to working in the field and suitable career opportunities. Coursework includes weekly field observations and experiences.
Employment opportunities exist in child care agencies and centers, preschool programs, before- and afterschool programs and private homes. Graduates who find employment in a child development center and meet additional requirements are eligible to apply for the Child Development Associate credential through the Council for Professional Recognition.
Early Childhood Director Core, Diploma (654.3)
This program is designed for individuals who work in early childhood and child development and wish to apply for the Director Credential as identified by the PA Key to increase their knowledge and understanding of the role of the child care and school age director. The program is also designed to meet the requirements of the Keystone STARS continuous quality assurance program at the STAR 3 level.
To begin this coursework, students must meet several requirements, including possession of an associate or bachelor's degree in early childhood education, child development, special education, elementary education or the human services fields.
After completion of these courses, candidates must submit a separate application to the PA Key and meet additional requirements for candidacy
Child Development, Certificate (623.6)
This program prepares students for rewarding careers working with infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children. Students receive specialized training in the physical, emotional, social and cognitive development of children from birth to school age while learning about job responsibilities and identifying suitable employment opportunities. The coursework includes weekly field observations and experiences.
Graduates may seek employment as preschool teachers or early childhood education aides and may work in child care agencies, day care and pre-school programs, public and private schools, before- and after-school programs or private homes. Students may also apply the credits earned in the program toward the certificate or associate degree programs in Early Education and Child Development.
School-Age Credential, Diploma (687)
The School-Age Credential diploma prepares students to work effectively with children ages 5–12 and their families through a focused, competency-based curriculum aligned with Pennsylvania standards. Students develop proficiency across the Functional Areas of school-age care, while integrating coursework with weekly field experiences and building reflective and professional practices through portfolio development.
Upon completion, graduates are prepared for employment in before- and after-school programs, community centers, and child care settings, and may pursue the PA School-Age Professional Credential (SAPC) through the PA Keys. The program consists of three courses, with credits that can be applied toward further study in early childhood education. Students must have valid clearances: FBI Fingerprint Clearance, a Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Clearance, and a Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare Child Abuse History Clearance. Students must also meet the local requirements of the field placement site, including the National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) Verification Clearance.
Child Development & Special Education, Certificate (623.7)
This program is for individuals who desire specialized early childhood education courses designed for working with infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children. Students are prepared to support the developmental and educational needs of young children, including those with diverse abilities. The certificate emphasizes foundational knowledge in child development, early intervention, inclusive practices, collaboration with families and professionals, aligned with expectations professional standards from the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Through applied coursework and field-based experiences, students develop practical skills in observation, assessment, and the implementation of developmentally appropriate and individualized strategies in the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional care and education of young children. Graduates are prepared for entry-level roles in early childhood and special education settings, supporting inclusive learning environments and contributing to the success of children with varying developmental needs. Experiences include required weekly field observations and students must have valid clearances: FBI Fingerprint Clearance, a Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Clearance, and a Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare Child Abuse History Clearance. Students must also meet the local requirements of the field placement site, including the National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) Verification Clearance.
Infant Mental Health, Certificate (657)
This program is for individuals who work with infants or toddlers, or who wish to do so. It gives students a strong foundation in the emerging field of early childhood mental health. Students learn the developmental importance of caring relationships to healthy brain development and strong social and emotional growth throughout the lifespan.
This program focuses on the practical skills needed to work with children from birth to 36 months in a variety of settings in order to promote resilience. Upon completion of the program, students will have the background and portfolio necessary to apply for the Pennsylvania Family Associate in Infant Mental Health Endorsement (IMH-E®).
Act 48 Academy
CCAC supports area teachers who are looking for meaningful and enriching ways to comply with Pennsylvania's Act 48. Teachers can take any credit course offered by CCAC, provided that the course complies with the district's strategic Act 48 plan. The state of Pennsylvania accepts successful completion of one credit of coursework as 30 hours of Act 48 training.
The Act 48 Academy at CCAC offers courses designed for teachers in a variety of formats, including accelerated, hybrid (web-enhanced) and online learning options. Act 48 courses for continuing professional education are offered at many of our convenient locations.
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