Ready for the second half of CAEP accredited education degree programs in Pennsylvania? We have 13 more bachelor’s or master’s options for early childhood educators hoping to give bright futures to PreK-4 children. Given the $51.7 million Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge Grant, Education Week placed the Keystone State schooling system among the United States’ top 10. According to the CWLA, Pennsylvania has 36,605 youth attending the Head Start program statewide. In early 2016, 93,500 kids under age five were served with subsidized childcare. Studying early childhood also prepares teachers for primary grades at 1,774 schools in Pennsylvania, including the top-ranked Ithan Elementary, Penn Wynne, Merion Elementary, and Cynwyd Elementary. Here are the remaining (K-Z) early childhood education colleges in Pennsylvania for becoming certified. To see more accredited early childhood education degree programs in Pennsylvania, visit Early Childhood Education Degree Programs in Pennsylvania (A-J).
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
College of Education
Occupying 326 acres in Berks County’s Maxatawny Township near Route 222, Kutztown University of Pennsylvania is a public, coeducational PASSHE member celebrating its 150th year of training 9,189 undergrad Golden Bears on its $14.9 million endowment. Kutztown is designated America’s 280th best Greek life college on Niche, 162nd best value in The Economist, and 118th most focused education school by College Factual. Using the “Teacher as a Lifelong Learner” framework, the College of Education features 21 CAEP accredited education degree programs in Pennsylvania where the Title II Report shows an 80 percent certification pass rate.
B.S. PreK-4 Program
Headed by Dr. Tracy Keyes, Kutztown’s B.S. PreK-4 Program belongs to the Elementary Education Department to transform undergrads into certified early childhood educational leaders who foster child growth in personalized learning environments. Reporting a mean net price of $18,822 yearly, the 120-credit program integrates courses on family collaboration, cognitive development, and diagnostics into subject-matter pedagogy. Campus learning pairs with field practicum and a professional clinical semester at schools like Weisenberg Elementary and La Escuelita Semilla. Majors might also attend the Children’s Literature Conference, join the Alaska Distance Intervention Program, teach in Puerto Rico, learn from the Brown Bag Series, pledge Kappa Delta Pi, and add the Autism Endorsement Certificate.
Accreditation
• Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
Beekey Center 201
15200 Kutztown Road
Kutztown, PA 19530
(610) 683-4262
keyes@kutztown.edu
Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania
College of Liberal Arts and Education
Linked to notable alumni like Harris Jacob Bixler and Sara McMann, Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania is an innovative public, coeducational PASSHE teaching institution endowed for $10.7 million under president Michael Fiorentino, Jr. to serve 4,607 Eagles on its 263 combined acres in Clinton County. LHU is lauded for America’s 452nd best professors on Niche, the North’s 46th top public education by the U.S. News, and Pennsylvania’s 57th most valuable tuition in Money Magazine. The College of Liberal Arts and Education received CAEP approval for nine accredited education degree programs in Pennsylvania costing $14,394 yearly on average.
Early Childhood/PreK-4 Education Major
Adhering to NAEYC guidelines, LHU’s Early Childhood/PreK-4 Education Major is directed by Dr. Christine Remley for a Bachelor of Science that emphasizes the importance of language development and creative expression in teaching youth under age nine. Available with the optional Special Education Dual Certification track, the 72-credit major begins the freshman year with courses like primary reading and infant psychology. Blocked courses with a 19:1 student-professor ratio in Lock Haven are supplemented with 150 observation hours and two, seven-week student teaching experiences. Placements, such as Robb Elementary and Lycoming Clinton Head Start, are always within a 60-mile radius. Undergrads might also claim the Catherine M. Frantz Scholarship, volunteer with Best Buddies, and join Early Childhood Education Club.
Accreditation
• Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
Robinson Learning Center 131
401 N. Fairview Street
Lock Haven, PA 17745
(570) 484-3101
cremley@lockhaven.edu
http://www.lockhaven.edu/earlychildhood/
Marywood University
School of Education
Started by Mother Cyril Conroy as St. Cecilia’s Academy in 1878, Marywood University is a private, Catholic liberal arts school devoted to “Holiness, Knowledge, Health” that’s endowed for $23.9 million to teach 3,400 Pacers in the Colonial States Conference from its 115 acres in Scranton-Wilkes-Barre. Marywood is named America’s 204th top master’s institution in Washington Monthly, 204th best college dorms on Niche, and fourth best university for health professions by USA Today. Operating the Tony Domiano Early Childhood Center, the School of Education has produced liberally educated teachers for 85 years in programs that were ranked 236th nationally by College Factual.
B.S. in Early Childhood and Elementary Education
Priced at $32,190 per year, Marywood’s B.S. in Early Childhood and Elementary Education is chaired by Christine L. Fryer, EdD, with tenured faculty to train creative educators for designing developmentally appropriate instruction with reciprocal PreK-4 certification in 46 states. Accepting CLEP tests, the 124-credit program admits second-term sophomores after course prerequisites, including psychology, child development, and speech dynamics. Candidates complete 190 clock hours of fieldwork before wrapping up 12 weeks of student teaching at sites like McNichols Plaza Elementary and Children’s Cornerstone. Majors can also pursue dual special education certification, volunteer with America Reads, pledge Sigma Pi Delta Epsilon, study in China, and join the Student PSEA.
M.A. in Teaching with PreK-4 Certification
Ideal for non-education bachelor’s majors, the M.A. in Teaching with PreK-4 certification at Marywood is another of the CAEP accredited education degree programs in Pennsylvania offering initial instructional licensing to prepare early childhood educators who shape young, developing minds in inclusive settings. At the 500 level, the 49-60 credit curriculum integrates courses from learning theory to reading assessment and special needs. Along with on-campus practice in the Fricchione Daycare Center, the master’s reserves eight credits for student teaching. Post-grads may also pursue the Autism Spectrum Disorders Endorsement, join the SCEC, design lessons in the Curriculum Lab, attend the CEC Conference, and get published in National Teacher Education Journal.
Accreditation
• Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
McGowan Hall 2013
2300 Adams Avenue
Scranton, PA 18509
(570) 348-6211 ext. 2138
csfryer@marywood.edu
http://www.marywood.edu/education/
Millersville University of Pennsylvania
Department of Early, Middle, and Exceptional Education
Helping 8,725 Marauders “Seize the Opportunity,” Millersville University of Pennsylvania is a public, state-funded PASSHE doctoral institution founded as Lancaster County Normal School in 1855 that’s now endowed for $30.4 million under president John M. Anderson with 299 full-time faculty on its 250 rural acres. Given the Insight into Diversity HEED Award five years straight, Millersville is declared America’s 397th best Common App school on Niche and 42nd best master’s university for social mobility in Washington Monthly. Also ranked 38th by the Online College Database, the Department of Early, Middle, and Exceptional Education boasts a 94 percent Praxis exam pass rate for the United States’ #1 top city for teachers according to GoodCall.
B.S.Ed. in Early Childhood Education
Reporting a 20-yet net ROI of $219,000 on PayScale, Millersville’s B.S.Ed. in Early Childhood Education leads to Pennsylvania Instructional I certification by showing undergrads the pedagogical methods for teaching multiple subjects in PreK-4 class environments. Coordinated by Dr. Marcia Nell, the 120-credit, eight-semester blocked curriculum mandates a 2.9 GPA through courses like emergent literacy and educational technology. An extra 15 credits would qualify students for PreK-8 special education certification too. Early field experiences are arranged in Lancaster, Berks, York, and Lebanon counties before the 16-week student teaching term. Majors might also access the Susan A. Walker Children’s Literature Center, volunteer for the Migrant Education Program, and attend the Anna Funk Lockey Lecture Series.
M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education
Currently costing $545 in-state and $799 out-of-state per credit, the M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education at Millersville is one of the accredited education degree programs in Pennsylvania with rolling admission for certified teachers presenting cumulative GPAs over 2.75. Informed by the NAEYC, the 36-credit degree is accessible with full- or part-time evening courses like early intervention to advance your PreK-4 practices. Working teachers trade in practica for a thesis or electives and a capstone exam to meet the Instructional Level II qualifications. Master’s students could also join the GSO, publish in MUsings, secure assistantships, practice in the BEST Reading Clinic, add the Elementary Supervision Certificate, and intern at Chesterbrook Academy.
Accreditation
• Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
Stayer Hall 232
51 Lyte Road
Millersville, PA 17551
(717) 871-7344
Marcia.Nell@millersville.edu
http://www.millersville.edu/eled/index.php
Pennsylvania State University
College of Education
Known for training education scholars like George D. Stoddard and John W. Heston, Pennsylvania State University is a large public, sun-grant Big Ten powerhouse that’s spending $794 million on R&D annually and teaching 99,133 students in State College, at 19 Commonwealth campuses from Fayette to Hazleton, and at the old Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. PSU is honored as the globe’s 68th best university in Times Higher Ed, 85th top college on the ARWU, and 81st best humanities school by Quacquarelli Symonds. Operating the Krause Innovation Studio, the College of Education has 51 accredited education degree programs in Pennsylvania with 95 percent job placement that also placed 25th nationally according to Niche.
B.S. Elementary & Early Childhood Education: PreK-4 Option
Chaired by Dr. Rose Mary Zbiek, a F.I.N.E. Thomas Urban Award recipient, Penn State’s B.S. Elementary & Early Childhood: PreK-4 Option is housed in the Curriculum & Instruction Department to inspire creative, certified teachers who integrate multiple perspectives into content planning. Emphasizing multiculturalism and inclusiveness, the EECE major begins after 48 credits for Nittany Lions with “B” averages and 40+ years of volunteer experience. Classroom teaching hours can be filled at domestic schools like Corl Street Elementary and St. Paul’s Christian Preschool or abroad in 15 countries. Undergrads could also attend SCOPE, join Phi Delta Kappa, pursue the Children’s Literature Certificate online, and write a Schreyer Honors thesis.
Accreditation
• Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
Chambers Building 141
University Park, PA 16802
(814) 865-0827
rmz101@psu.edu
https://ed.psu.edu/c-and-i/undergrad/eece
Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
College of Education and Human Services
Founded as the Seventh District State Normal School in 1871, Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania is a public, residential PASSHE member divided into five colleges to serve 8,253 Raiders on a $27.9 million endowment under president Laurie A. Carter, JD, with 200 acres in the Cumberland Valley. Shippensburg is deemed America’s 338th top party school on Niche, 347th best master’s college in Washington Monthly, and 108th most value-added institution by The Economist. The College of Education and Human Services runs the Grace B. Luhrs University Elementary School to give K-5 teachers classroom experience and access to 11,000 children’s books in the Media Center.
Early Childhood/Elementary Education Major
Conferring a B.S., Shippensburg’s Early Childhood/Elementary Education Major is directed by Dr. Janet Bufalino with high admission standards to support undergrads dedicated to developing future generations of leaders by securing PreK-4 Pennsylvania Instructional I certification. Each semester of the 120-credit curriculum marries courses like learning differences and emergent math with fieldwork, including at the on-campus Bartos Child & Family Center. Seniors are given 16-week teaching assignments across the South Central region, such as James Burd Elementary and Capital Area Head Start. Students may also join the Keystone State Reading Association, volunteer with Bridge for Kids, declare Honors, present at the Minds@Work Conference, study abroad in Venice, and attend the Martin Luther King Program.
Early Childhood Education (M.Ed.)
Offering the Rising STARS Tuition Assistance Grant of up to $4,500 for preschool staff, the Early Childhood Education (M.Ed.) at Shippensburg is another of the accredited education degree programs in Pennsylvania recognized by the NAEYC to teach curriculum and instruction methods for PreK-4 children. Drawing on 140+ years of experience, the 36-credit degree is structured for already certified teachers, but a 63-credit track is also available for unlicensed post-grads. Courses conveniently scheduled after 4pm dive into emotional development, teaching leadership, and family collaboration to unlock the PA Early Childhood Director credential. Master’s majors might also intern at Shippensburg Head Start, research with the $6 million PDE Reading Recovery Initiative, join the GSA, and network in the Lounge.
Accreditation
• Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
Shippen Hall 352
1871 Old Main Drive
Shippensburg, PA 17257
(717) 477-1373
COEHS@ship.edu
http://www.ship.edu/COEHS/Academic_Programs/
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
College of Education
Sitting atop 660 acres in Butler County just 45 minutes east of Youngstown on Interstate 80, Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania is a public, civic-oriented coeducational PASSHE college endowed for $16.5 million under president Philip Way to instruct 8,800 undergrad Rockets with 83 percent retention. SRU is crowned America’s ninth safest college town on SafeWise, 328th top value in Money Magazine, and 324th best master’s-level university by Washington Monthly. Also ranked 252nd nationally on Niche, the College of Education offers the Professor Protégé Program for one-on-one mentoring in 23 accredited education degree programs in Pennsylvania for teachers.
Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education
Accepting $30 applications on a rolling basis, SRU’s Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education selectively admits 68 percent of candidates showing the aptitude and personal character to define exemplary teaching in today’s multicultural PreK-4 classrooms. Headed by Mary Vetere, EdD, the 70-credit major includes progressive blocks on diversity, early literacy, formal assessment, and instructional methods. Undergrads may specialize the program with the International Teaching or Early Childhood/Special Education Dual tracks. Each B.S. student completes 16 weeks of pre-service teaching at locations like Highland Primary Center and Allegheny Valley School. Majors could also join the S-PSEA Chapter, pledge Kappa Delta Pi, add the TESOL Certificate, study abroad in Sweden, and earn the Robert McCollum Scholarship.
Accreditation
• Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
McKay Building 104
1 Morrow Way
Slippery Rock, PA 16057
(724) 738-2042
mary.vetere@sru.edu
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
College of Education and Social Work
Featured in The Chronicle’s 2017 “Great Colleges to Work For,” West Chester University of Pennsylvania is a public, state-aided PASSHE member founded as a teachers’ college in 1871 that now educates 16,426 Golden Rams under president Christopher Fiorentino’s leadership on 409 acres in Chester County. WCUPA is congratulated for America’s 142nd top public education in Forbes, 165th best Greek life on Niche, and 21st most valuable tuition by Consumer Digest. Presently billing $7,060 in-state or $17,650 out-of-state, the College of Education and Social Work has 14 teacher preparation programs where over 10,000 service learning hours are documented each year.
B.S. in Education – Early Grades Preparation (PreK-4)
Boasting 94 percent alumni satisfaction, West Chester’s B.S. in Education – Early Grades Preparation (PreK-4) is one of the experiential CAEP accredited education degree programs in Pennsylvania where faculty, not TAs, shape undergrads into teacher leaders for instructing youth through age 10. Chaired by Dr. Heather Leaman, the 120-credit curriculum map injects courses from schooling evolution and reading foundations to classroom behavior and technology tools. After passing the FATE test and 102 credits, majors complete a student-teaching semester at schools like Penn Wood Elementary, Windsor Christian Preschool, or Westtown Children’s Academy. Other opportunities include volunteering at Chester County Futures, earning the Cherry Memorial Merit Scholarship, joining S.O.U.S., and attending the Women Leading Up Series.
M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education
Mandating at least one year of ECE experience, the M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education lets West Chester post-grads with cumulative GPAs over 3.0 advance their pedagogical and leadership expertise for achieving better learning outcomes in PreK-4 arenas. Coordinated by Dr. Prudhoe, the 33-credit, Web-based master’s has two specialized tracks for Accomplished Teachers or Childhood Program Administrators. Expect online courses to explore curriculum design, special education law, play theory, literacy coaching, and more. Instead of practicum, M.Ed. majors culminate their study with the ECE Professional as Researcher project. If needed, there’s also a Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Certification option for 57 total credits.
Accreditation
• Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
Recitation Hall 106B
700 S. High Street
West Chester, PA 19383
(610) 436-2944
hleaman@wcupa.edu
https://www.wcupa.edu/education-socialwork/earlymiddlegrades/
Widener University
School of Human Service Professions
Led by president Julie E. Wollman, Widener University is a private, nonsectarian doctoral institution and NLN Center of Excellence that’s endowed for $73 million to welcome 6,464 Pioneers onto its 108-acre campus on the Delaware River with 80+ clubs. Widener is ranked America’s 10th most underrated college in Business Insider, 19th most service-minded school by Newsweek, and 373rd most liberal university on Niche. Belonging to the Philadelphia Metro’s ninth best college according to The Wall Street Journal, the School of Human Service Professions currently charges $43,296 annually before financial aid for 15 CAEP accredited education degree programs in Pennsylvania.
Early Childhood and Special Education (PreK-4) Major
Offering the four-star Child Development Center on-site, Widener’s Early Childhood and Special Education (PreK-4) Major grants a Bachelor of Arts with dual Pennsylvania Instructional I certification for undergrads seeking to help young children succeed regardless of disabilities. Available with an optional five-year BA/MEd track, the 134-credit curriculum studies topics from IEP development to reading acquisition and behavioral analysis. Thanks to the Community Engaged Teacher program, undergrads work closely with mentors at Stetser Elementary. Fourteen weeks of student teaching are required in New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, or foreign countries via Educators Abroad. Directed by Dr. Marcia Bolton, the program also lets majors volunteer with Healthy Me, earn Kappa Delta Pi honors, and join the WSEA Club.
Accreditation
• Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
Hyatt Hall 219
1 University Place
Chester, PA 19013
(610) 499-4630
mvbolton@widener.edu
Known for its Early Childhood Education Summit held each October, Pennsylvania is facing a concerning teacher shortage. According to The Lancaster News, the number of Pennsylvanians pursuing certification dropped from 16,361 in 2012 to 6,215 in 2015. The BLS predicts that teaching jobs will continue growing by 8 percent through 2026, so recruiting college majors is paramount. If you’re interested in PreK-4 early childhood teaching, consider these CAEP accredited education degree programs in Pennsylvania.
Related Resource: 20 Best Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education 2018
