Early Childhood Education

Program Overview

CIP Code: 19.0708

The Early Childhood Education program prepares youth with the knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions necessary to support the work of young children and their families in early education settings. Students are expected to use critical thinking to cultivate and apply understanding of children’s development and learning in real time teaching activities. Opportunities to explore a variety of careers associated with young children are also provided. Students have the opportunity and are encouraged to pursue the Child Development Associates credential to support post-secondary career and/or ...college pathways. Coursework includes: introduction to the profession, child development, educational theorists, the importance of play, the arts in early childhood, family involvement, health and safety, positive guidance with children’s behaviors, observations and assessment, curriculum development, cooperative education and internships. Program goals and objectives include: professionalism in relation to working in an early childhood setting; design, development and implementation of learning activities based on developmentally appropriate practices and the Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards, creation of a professional portfolio aligned with the Child Development Associate credential; and a successful transition into a first-year job and/or post-secondary education related to early childhood education.

• High Priority Occupation
• Non-Traditional Career - Male
• Eligible to: Mifflin County / Juniata County / Other
• SOAR Eligible
• Co-Op Eligible