Candidates for certification in Early Childhood Education must complete a major that consists of two key elements. The first element emphasizes critical concepts and ideas important to one’s general education and academic preparation for teaching. The second emphasis stresses a professional core organized in five areas: 1) Early Childhood Development, Cognition and Learning, 2) Subject Matter Pedagogy Content (Pre-kindergarten through Fourth), 3) Assessment, 4) Family and Community Partnerships, and 5) Professionalism. Content requirements are based on national standards for early childhood education as well as Pennsylvania’s curriculum standards. Candidates will have 190 hours of field experiences prior to beginning student teaching. Candidates have the option of completing a concentration in Special Education that leads to special education certification Pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Candidates who choose this option will receive dual teaching certifications in both Early Childhood and Special Education.

Early Childhood: Education 105, 150, 161 or 162, 214, 241, 250, 258, 325, 335, 345, 351, 360, 365, 470, 490, 495; Special Educaiton 272 and 282.

Early Childhood with Special Education Concentration: Education 105, 150, 161 or 162, 214, 241, 250, 258, 325, 335, 345, 360, 365, 470, 490, 495; Special Education 272, 282, 285, 290, 293, 342, and 344.

Note: Students who successfully complete the Elizabethtown requirements for the Early Childhood major will have their Social Science Core Area of Understanding waived.