Early Childhood Education: Infant to Grade 4, AAS

Overview

Program Narrative

Teaching young children is rewarding and inspiring! Our highly qualified faculty prepares students to be effective teachers of children aged infant to nine years. Graduates may transfer seamlessly to four-year institutions or immediately enter the early care and education profession.

Graduates who transfer within Pennsylvania may enter a four-year institution at the junior level where they will earn a baccalaureate degree and Pre-K to Grade 4 Pennsylvania certification required to teach pre-kindergarten to grade four in public and private schools.

Graduates who enter the early care and education profession are qualified to work as lead teachers in child care centers, Head Start programs, nursery schools, and assistant teachers in pre-kindergarten classrooms. With experience and additional education, graduates may be employed as program directors.

Features

NCC's Early Childhood Program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The entire program is available both on the Bethlehem and Monroe Campuses and Online. English Language Learner (ELL) competencies are introduced in three courses and integrated in other Early Childhood courses. Knowledge and skills related to cultural, linguistic, ability diversity are also embedded in all courses. Observational and supervised field experiences with children from infancy through age nine occur in accredited campus lab schools, work site classrooms and / or approved off campus locations. As part of the field experience, students taking courses online are required to submit video documentation of their teaching. Students need access to digital video and still cameras. The arts are integrated across all courses as symbol systems used to represent, express and construct meaning and understanding. The programs conceptual framework, Art as a Way of Learning , was developed in partnership with Crayola LLC.

Transfer Information

This AAS in Early Childhood Education provides a pathway to transfer to a four-year college or university where students can earn a baccalaureate degree. Transfer options and course guides are found in the links below. Students are strongly encouraged to select a transfer destination as soon as possible. Students should consult with their chosen transfer institution regarding recommended courses that will transfer and be applied to their baccalaureate degree program.

• Wilkes University

• Kutztown University

• East Stroudsburg University

• Bloomsburg University

• Lock Haven University

• Moravian College

• DeSales University

Career Information

NCC's accredited associate degree program focuses on hands-on experiences and ongoing field-work, allowing students to get excited about their future from the start. Whether you plan to enter the workforce immediately after graduation or transfer, you will be prepared with the knowledge and skills you need to make a difference. The associate degree transfers smoothly into a baccalaureate level Pre-K to Grade 4 teacher certification program. This program can be completed entirely online.

Career Pathways:

• Preschool Teacher

• Classroom Assistants

• Family Child Care Provider

• Group Supervisor

• Program Director

• Certified Teacher Pre-K to Grade 4