Accelerated Adult Programs
Early Childhood Education (PreK-4) (B.A.)
Prepare to teach children from preschool through Grade 4 with a program designed for working adults—online, flexible, and aligned to Pennsylvania certification.
Adult-FriendlyOnline format with multiple starts; designed for adults returning to college
Career-Ready SkillsChild development, literacy, math, assessment, classroom management
Next-Step PathwayLeads to PA Instructional I (Grades PreK-4); option to add middle grades via exam
What You’ll Learn:
- Foundations of child development, learning theory, and inclusive practice
- Literacy development: reading methods, phonics, writing, and children’s literature
- Elementary math pedagogy: number sense, problem-solving, and math for diverse learners
- Assessment & evaluation to inform instruction and measure growth
- Strategies for English language learners and culturally responsive teaching
- Classroom management, family/community partnerships, and professionalism
- Field experiences leading to student teaching under mentor educators
- Preparation for Pennsylvania educator exams (e.g., PECT) and certification steps
Where Graduates Can Work
- Public, private, charter, and cyber schools (PreK-4 classroom teacher)
- Head Start and early-learning centers
- After-school and community education programs
- Substitute teaching and instructional support roles
Curriculum Highlights
Final degree and certification requirements are set by Alvernia University and the Pennsylvania Department of Education; your advisor will confirm your personalized plan.
- Human Development & Learning; Education Foundations
- Literacy Instruction; Reading Methods for the Elementary Inclusive Classroom
- Assessment & Evaluation of Learning
- Teaching English Language Learners (ELL)
- Practicum & diverse field experiences (pre-student-teaching)
- Student Teaching (two placements) with cooperating teachers
- Preparation for PA Instructional I (Grades PreK-4) certification requirements
- Delivery designed for working adults with flexible scheduling
