EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Associate of Applied Science
Program Description
This program provides students with knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with guiding the social, emotional, physical, language, and cognitive development of children from birth to age ten in a variety of educational and childcare settings. The program allows for increased marketability for direct entry into the workforce in an entry-level position with an early childhood education provider and affords those currently employed by early childhood education providers with professional growth opportunities.
Major coursework involves studying instructional and classroom design; concepts and methods of instruction; identifying the needs of typical and atypical children; and child development Additionally, communication strategies for early learning providers to engage in with children and their families are researched and practiced through the program coursework.
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What You'll Learn
Early Childhood Education
In interactive class sessions, students may be involved in learning experiences that include:
Play! To be able to teach young children, ECE students engage in playing with toys, blocks, puppets, and early learning manipulatives to design and model instructional strategies for children.
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Art experiences to develop personal creativity and share creative expression with children.
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Reading children’s books that have been selected for entertainment and/or instructional goals.
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Experimenting with developmentally appropriate science concepts to encourage inquiry and exploration of natural sciences with children.
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Practicing skill development in handwriting, reading, counting, and mathematical processes.
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Studying child development with sensitivity to the diverse and exceptional needs of children and families.
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Role playing parent communication, child behavior management, and scaffolded learning strategies.
Career Outlook in Early Childhood Education
Career opportunities include assistant teacher, paraeducator (teacher’s aide), group supervisor, school-aged childcare, and community organization staff.
Graduates are eligible to own and operate a home childcare program or serve as a lead teacher in certain settings.
The program establishes a foundation that permits students to prepare for a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education.
There are 5,690 projected annual job openings in Pennsylvania for childcare workers. (O*Net OnLine)
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Related Programs
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 offered over a 39-week schedule with scheduled remote class participation.
Paraeducators Pathway Program
Major coursework in this program 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.
Human Services
Students in this program study human behavior and the social environment in addition to expanding their world view with courses in psychology, sociology, human development, world religions, and human diversity. Select courses within the program are aligned with the Council on Social Work Education’s Social Work Competencies. Students earning this degree have a competitive advantage for entry-level career opportunities with social and human service agencies.
Early Childhood Education FAQ's
See What Our Students Have to Say
“It was a wonderful experience here at NPRC. I learned so much and my instructor was amazing. He was knowledgeable and made sure that everything we need is uploaded online and communicates well with us. He also held us accountable to make sure we were learning and ready. I enjoyed working alongside my amazing classmates and all the different experiences they brought to the course. Everyone in our class was eager to learn and was proactive about staying up to date on what is being asked of us.”
- Marie, NPRC EMT Graduate
“Attending NPRC was truly life-changing for me and provided a foundation to pursue my passion for early childhood education. I gained the knowledge and skills needed to excel in this field. But it was bigger than just academics; my professors taught me valuable life lessons and instilled important values that have shaped who I am today. Overall, my college journey has not only prepared me for a successful career but has also equipped me with the mindset and tools to make a positive impact on the lives of young children.”
- Brittany, Early Childhood Education Graduate
“I had a fear that this degree would be unobtainable due to being a full-time employee and mother. With the support of family, friends, coworkers, and NPRC, I’ve gained confidence and support to continue my education.”
- Brittney, NPRC Student
“From the first time I found out about
NPRC, I knew attending college was
something I wanted to pursue because
of how genuine the first interaction was.
I’m proof that finding the right path can
be done. It’s worth it to find ways out of
situations you do not want to be in for
better ones. I can’t say enough about how
NPRC’s employees have empowered and
advocated for me.”
- Amanda, NPRC Student
"NPRC’s faculty, staff, and professors do
everything they can to see the students
succeed and provide us with exactly what
we need to do our best both inside the
classroom and out. The early childhood
education program is phenomenal. It was
a school that aided me in balancing class,
schoolwork, and my career. From the start
and throughout my time, NPRC made me
feel like I was at the right place.”
- Savannah, Early Childhood Education Graduate
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