Early Childhood Education
School of Integrated Studies
Klump Academic Center, Rm. 102 · (570) 327-4521
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What type of degree will I receive?
A: When you complete the Early Childhood Education major, you will receive an associate's degree (A.A.S.). The degree provides you with a sound foundation in theoretical and practical aspects of child-care services. Courses in the curriculum will establish strengths in oral and written communication, problem solving and evaluative skills. You will have an understanding of the social and psychological factors that influence a child and which reflect the overall social environment. The fieldwork experience provides you with the opportunity to work directly with young children, drawing upon the principles and professional practices covered in your coursework.
Q: What are my career opportunities?
A: Your career opportunities include group supervisor, assistant group supervisor, Head Start teacher, Head Start home-based teacher, teacher’s aide, house parent, child caseworker’s aide, assistant teacher, family home day-care operator and group day-care operator. If you are interested in establishing a family home day-care center, you will receive excellent preparation.
Q: What are the strengths of the program?
A: Our students develop one-on-one relationships with faculty, whose primary activity is teaching. Also, class size is limited, which allows for discussion and more individualized instruction.
We provide opportunities to obtain college credits for equivalent work/life experience. Our students also gain practical experience with young children by working directly with them. Hands-on work with children is an aspect of most of the education courses offered within the program.
Q: Will I receive hands-on experience?
A: You will be required to perform a practicum experience consisting of 225 hours of supervised work with children in a community agency. Agencies where this work experience can take place include local childcare centers, Head Start programs, and public school Kindergartens. This experience can often be arranged in your hometown, if you prefer. A large number of our graduates have subsequently been hired at the agencies where they completed their practicums.
The College operates its own nationally accredited Children’s Learning Center, where students in Early Childhood classes make direct observation of children. Students may also choose to complete their practicum experience at this location, which offers part-time work-study positions.