The Early Childhood Education program is designed to train and prepare students for employment in the early learning field and provides the foundation for study in higher education. Students in this program gain daily practical experience in the on-site child care school.

Students study all phases of child development: physical, social, emotional and intellectual. The curriculum focuses on the following topics: establishing and maintaining a safe, healthy learning environment; advance physical and intellectual competence; supporting social and emotional development and providing positive guidance; establishing positive and productive relationships with families; ensuring a well-run, purposeful program responsive to children’s needs; and maintaining professionalism. Each student works independently with a combination of learning strategies used to enhance the student’s growth.

Graduates of this program are well prepared for a variety of careers working with children including employment in day care centers, nursery schools, elementary schools, Head Start classes, playgrounds, recreation centers and early childhood education centers. A student graduating in this program can qualify as an assistant group supervisor in child day care centers throughout Pennsylvania.