Pre K-4 Early Education
Associate of Arts
Transfer Major
Decisions on the transferability of courses are made by the four-year colleges and differ from school to school. Students enrolled in this major should contact the Transfer Services Office early in their academic program to determine which courses will transfer to the college of their choice.
Department of Social & Behavioral Science
Grupp 301 • Phone (215) 968-8270
Curriculum Code No. 4192
The goals of the Early Childhood/Elementary Education Pre K-4 major are to:
- provide a teacher education program with an emphasis in the theory and practice in the Pre K-4 setting in accordance with the framework and program guidelines provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and NAEYC;
- prepare students for transfer to institutions offering bachelor's degree programs in Elementary Education Pre K-4 and Special Education by acquiring knowledge of educational theories and practices, through use of interpersonal skills, collaborative skills and field experiences in an educational setting; and
- prepare students to enter the workforce in day care and other early childhood career paths.
Graduates of this program are able to:
- apply their knowledge of educational theories, principles and competencies that are appropriate to the Pre K-4 setting;
- demonstrate an understanding of the characteristics of an effective educator; and
- determine adaptations, accommodations, and cognitive development of diverse students in an inclusive setting.
Degree Course Requirements
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| BIOL101 Biological Science I A,E,7 | 4 |
| COLL101 Orientation to College | 1 |
| COMM110 Effective Speaking A,D,2,4,5 | 3 |
| COMP110 English Composition I A,2,10 | 3 |
| COMP111 English Composition II D,2,4,10 | 3 |
| PSYC110 Introduction to Psychology A,2,3,8 | 3 |
| MATH102 Math Concepts for Educators I A,6 | 3 |
| MATH105 Math Concepts for Educators II D,6 | 3 |
| EDUC105 Foundations for Early Learning Pre K-4 A,E,F | 3 |
| EDUC115 Observing and Recording the Behavior of Young Children E,F | 3 |
| EDUC120 Early Learning and Development I - Ages birth - 5 E,F | 3 |
| EDUC130 Early Learning and Development II - Adolescence E,F,9 | 3 |
| EDUC150 Math & Science Experiences for Young Children | 3 |
| EDUC160 Introduction to Exceptionalities E,F | 3 |
| EDUC170 Language and Literacy Development in Early Childhood: Birth through five years E,F | 3 |
| EDUC200 Integrated Art, Movement and Play E,F | 3 |
| History Elective B,1 | 3 |
| Humanities or Fine Art Elective C,1 | 3 |
Transfer Track
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| PSYC190 Educational Psychology | 3 |
| Literature Elective G | 3 |
| EDUC205 Fieldwork, Observation/Assessment in Education I [Special Education/Autism emphasis] D,E,F | 3 |
| OR | |
| EDUC206 Fieldwork, Observation/Assessment in Education II [PreK-4] D,E,F | 3 |
Career Track
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| LITR246 Children's Literature | 3 |
| EDUC220 Practicum in Education D,E,F,H | 6 |
| Total Credit Hours | 62 |
Recommended Semester Sequence
The recommended course sequence is designed for full-time students who average 15 credit hours per semester. Students may need more time to complete major requirements based on placement testing. This additional time will entail some adjustments to the sequence recommended.
First Semester
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| COLL101 Orientation to College | 1 |
| COMM110 Effective Speaking A,D,2,4,5 | 3 |
| COMP110 English Composition I A,D,2,10 | 3 |
| PSYC110 Introduction to Psychology A,2,3,8 | 3 |
| EDUC105 Foundations of Early Learning PreK-4 A,D,E,F | 3 |
| EDUC120 Early Learning and Development I - Ages birth -5 E,F | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 16 |
Second Semester
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| COMP111 English Composition II D,2,4,10 | 3 |
| EDUC130 Early Learning and Development II E,F,9 | 3 |
| EDUC160 Introduction to Exceptionalities F,G | 3 |
| EDUC150 Science and Math Experiences for Young Children | 3 |
| MATH102 Math Concepts for Educators I A,6 | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 15 |
Third Semester
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| BIOL101 Biological Science I A,7 | 4 |
| EDUC115 Observing and Recording the Behavior of Young Children E,F | 3 |
| EDUC170 Language and Literacy Development in Early Childhood: Birth through five years E,F | 3 |
| EDUC200 Integrated Art, Movement and Play E,F | 3 |
| MATH105 Math Concepts for Educators II D,6 | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 16 |
Fourth Semester
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| History Elective B,1 | 3 |
| Humanities or Fine Arts Elective C,1 | 3 |
Transfer Major:
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| PSYC190 Educational Psychology | 3 |
| Literature Elective G | 3 |
| EDUC205 Fieldwork, Observation/Assessment in Education I [Special Education/Autism emphasis] D,E,F | 3 |
| OR | |
| EDUC206 Fieldwork, Observation/Assessment in Education II [PreK-4] D,E,F | 3 |
Career Major:
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
| LITR246 Children's Literature | 3 |
| EDUC220 Practicum in Education D,E,F,H | 6 |
| Total Credit Hours | 15 |
A Placement testing required.
B Either HIST0151 or HIST0152.
C Any of the following may be chosen: MUSC101, 106, HUMN111,112, 113, 114, 120, VAFA 100,141,181.
D Course requires prerequisite.
E Field experience component.
F PA clearances required.
G Transfer track check Literature requirement with transfer institution.
H This course is for the Career Path track only.
1 Satisfies Arts/Humanities
2 Satisfies Critical Thinking
3 Satisfies Diversity
4 Satisfies Information Literacy
5 Satisfies Oral Communication
6 Satisfies Quantitative Literacy
7 Satisfies Scientific Literacy
8 Satisfies Social Sciences
9 Satisfies Technological Competence
10 Satisfies Writing