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.
Program Outcomes
- Promoting Child Development and Learning: Students use evidence based knowledge of child development and learning to understand that each child's learning and development is unique based on cultural, linguistic, and ability diversity as well as other interacting influences to create safe, healthy, respectful and inclusive learning environments that provide responsive, developmentally appropriate arts integrated learning opportunities.
- Building Family and Community Relationships: Students use evidence based knowledge to understand complex and diverse characteristics of families and communities using multiple perspectives to support each child's development and learning through collaborative relationships.
- Observing, Documenting, and Assessing to Support Young Children and Families: Students use evidence based knowledge about systematic observation and the goals, benefits, and appropriate uses of assessment in partnership with families and other professionals to understand and make decisions about environments, curriculum, and interactions to support each child's development and learning.
- Using Developmentally Effective Approaches: Students use evidence based knowledge to understand and build positive relationships and supportive interactions as the foundation for their work with children and families. Students apply arts integrated and developmentally appropriate approaches and Universal Design for Learning to support each child's development and learning.
- Using Content to Build Meaningful Curriculum: Students use evidence based knowledge of subject areas, Universal Design for Learning, inquiry tools, and resources to design, implement, and evaluate curriculum and experiences to support each child's development and learning.
- Becoming a Professional: Students use evidence based knowledge of ethical guidelines and professional standards. They engage in continuous, collaborative learning and demonstrate knowledgeable, reflective, and critical perspectives to make informed decisions about advocating for sound practices and policies in early education.
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
Program Entry Requirements
The Pennsylvania Department of Education requires that all students participating in field experiences must provide the documentation listed below:
- FBI PDE Federal Criminal History Record (Act 114)
- FBI DHS Federal Criminal History Record (Act 114)
- PA State Police Criminal Record Check (Act 34)
- PA Child Abuse History Clearance (Act 151)
- National Sex Offender Registry Verification
- Mandated and Permissive Reporting in PA Online Training (Act 31)
- Arrest/ Convict ion Report and Certification Form (Act 24)
- 2 Letters of Reference
- Health Assessment with TB (Mantoux) test
NOTE: Students must obtain all background clearances and other documentation in order to do the field work component of each education course – the field work in schools is integral to success in these courses.