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
See What Our Students Have to Say
Growing up in rural Potter County, Pennsylvania meant if I wanted good educational and employment opportunities, I would have to move. When NPRC started offering classes less than 30 minutes from my home (almost an hour closer than the next closest college), my future was no longer dependent on living in a more urban area. I received a quality education without spending the tens of thousands of dollars on room and board a traditional school would have required. And now, I feel incredibly blessed to be a part of the team making this story possible for so many other people in rural Pennsylvania. NPRC’s mission is a necessary one, helping serve a part of the population that has lacked affordable and quality higher education for decades. This school helped me avoid debt, find my path in life, and now, I have a job I love and opportunities I never expected.
- Brian, NPRC Graduate
While attending NPRC, I am enrolled in 16 credits and working toward a degree in business administration. This switch is already positively benefitting me as a student. I have been keeping up with classes and shifting out of bad habits that may hinder my success. As someone who is diagnosed with anxiety and ADHD, it sometimes gets hard to effectively communicate. However, NPRC continues to provide opportunities to not only challenge myself, but to help me grow as a student, and more importantly, as a person. NPRC was my second chance. My second chance to help me build myself better, and I feel like my future is already better than what it was before NPRC.
-Noah, Business Administration Student
My time at Northern Pennsylvania Regional College has been a great experience even through the COVID-19 pandemic. Never did I imagine doing a year of college in my own home and still be able to be on the Dean’s List and be extremely proud. I am 39 years of age, and it has taken me this long to attempt college. I have to say that starting college at this age was hard. However, everyone at NPRC has made it easy for me to understand what it means to be studious. You can feel the care that is given to you through the staff at NPRC. The instructors are always willing to help and they will always answer the questions that we have. This college is a great way to get started on your new path through life. There are so many options to pick from if you are undecided.
-Claudia, NPRC Graduate
I started with NPRC right after graduating high school in 2018. I was not sure what I wanted to do career-wise, but the criminal justice field had always piqued my interest. Before finishing my two-year degree with NPRC, I decided to transfer to a four-year university to further my education in both sociology and criminal justice. Without the affordability of NPRC and their knowledgeable staff, I would never have dreamed of being where I am today. I will be graduating from RIT in August of 2022 having majored in Sociology and Criminal Justice, as well as having minored in Criminal Justice. I am excited to start a career in the federal Criminal Justice system or within admissions/counseling in higher education. I plan to put myself through law school while working full time after graduating from RIT.
-Ally, Former NPRC Student
Latest Articles
