Education Programs

Learn more to begin a career in education today!
Education Studies

Major coursework involves studying the background, theory, and current trends within education including instructional and classroom design; assessment of student learning; identifying the needs of typical and atypical students; and cognitive development. Additionally, communication strategies for teachers to engage in with children and their families are researched and practiced through the program coursework.
Program Goals
Upon successful completion of the program, students should be able to:
- Understand the processes involved in learning with sensitivity to the diverse and exceptional needs of children and families.
- Role play in parent communication, child behavior management, and scaffolded learning strategies.
- Understand proper observation and assessment strategies for evaluating student learning and development.
- Have gained critical understanding of the American education system’s foundation.
Early Childhood Education

Students study curriculum planning, approaches to assessment, and skill-building for communications between teachers, early learners, and families of young children. This program provides students with the ability to guide the social, emotional, physical, language, and cognitive development of children from birth to eight in a variety of educational settings.
Program Goals
Upon successful completion of the program, students should be able to:
- Analyze physical, cognitive, language, and social-emotional development of typical and atypical children
- Identify and apply major theories and concepts associated with developmentally appropriate practices in teaching, learning, and quality care at the early childhood level
- Develop performance skills in concepts and methods associated with curriculum planning, instructional design, lesson delivery, assessment, and classroom environment
- Promote positive relationships and effective communication strategies between children, families, and early learning professionals while acknowledging sensitivity to the cultural contexts in which children are developing.
Child Development Associate

The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential is the most widely recognized credential in the Early Childhood Education field. Students at NPRC can choose a CDA age level for Infant-Toddler, Preschool, Family Child Care, or Home Visitor. The program is divided into three sections over a 39-week schedule with scheduled remote class participation.
Program Goals
Upon successful completion of the program, students should be able to:
- Reflect upon personal experiences of working within a childcare environment and discuss with peers in relation to the course content
- Research family support agencies in their local community with regard
- Generate ideas for learning activities at the infant, toddler, and preschool levels
- Plan healthy meal calendars for children
- Sketch out floor plans for an early learning classroom to include areas for rest, eating, play, and exploring early learning manipulatives.
- Practice communication strategies for early learning professionals and families.
Paraeducator Pathways Program

The Paraeducator Pathways Program was designed to address a shortage of special educators in Pennsylvania. Major coursework involves studying the background, theory, and current trends within education including instructional and classroom design; assessment of student learning; identifying the needs of typical and atypical students; and cognitive development.
Program Goals
Upon successful completion of the program, students should be able to:
- Explain the processes involved in learning with sensitivity to the diverse and exceptional needs of children and families.
- Demonstrate parent communication, child behavior management, and scaffolded learning strategies.
- Implement strategies for evaluating student learning and development.
- Communicate and collaborate effectively for co-teaching lessons alongside a lead teacher.
- Utilize a practical approach to special education support from PreK to 12th grade.
- Present a professional portfolio demonstrating experience in and development of program concepts and competencies.
Pennsylvania Childcare Director Credential

The Pennsylvania Childcare Director Credential is designed as a standard to measure and validate the abilities and competencies of directors and administrators to manage high quality early childhood and school-age programs.
Program Goals
Upon successful completion of the program, students should be able to:
- Have active membership with early childhood advocacy organizations at the local, state, and/or national levels.
- Develop a personal leadership style.
- Create policy and procedures for effective childcare and school age program management.
- Understand health and safety practices for effective early learning environments.
- Create advisory and/or governing boards for programs.
- Understand business management practices including budgeting, accounting, marketing, fundraising, and grant writing
- Develop and present business plans