Early Childhood Education - Major
For information, contact Dr. Jill Purdy, jepurdy@cedarcrest.edu, 610-606-4666, ext. 3419
The Early Childhood Education major prepares professional educators to meet the many challenges of the 21st century PreK-4 classroom. Prospective PreK-4 teachers may also pursue a dual certification in Early Childhood Education/Special Education PreK-8. Acceptance into the College does not constitute acceptance as a declared education major. All teacher certification candidates must meet the Pennsylvania Department of Education Chapter 354 requirements as well as the liberal arts requirements of Cedar Crest College.
Mission Statement of the Education Program
The Cedar Crest College Education Department is grounded in the premise that education provides the basis for women’s leadership, advocacy, civic engagement, and global connectivity. The Education Department is committed to the preparation of the next generation of teachers who have a strong foundation in research-based pedagogy and content knowledge. Our graduates will be dedicated to the profession and strive to ensure that all children achieve to high academic standards.
Admissions Credentials-Teacher Certification
The Pennsylvania Department of Education Chapter 354 regulation requires that all candidates for teacher certification have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 for acceptance into the teacher preparation program. Teacher candidates seeking early childhood teacher certification must have a 3.0 GPA in their concentration area course work. In order to be considered for a statement of advanced standing, the teacher candidate must submit official transcripts from all colleges attended previous to Cedar Crest College.
Prospective teachers are required to take six credits of college course work in mathematics; three credits in English composition; and three credits in American or British literature and earn a grade of C or higher in these courses. Prior to full acceptance into the teacher certification program, and declaration of the major, the student must complete 48 credits, and pass the Basic Skills Assessments requirements in Reading, Writing and Math.
Courses Required for the Early Childhood Education Major
Grades PreK - 4
WRI 100 College Writing (WRI-1) 3 credits
ENG 201 or ENG 220 American or British Literature (HUM) 3 credits
ENG 303 Linguistics and the Development of Human Language (HUM) 3 credits
MAT 202 Mathematics for the Early Childhood Teacher - Grades PreK - 4 3 credits
MAT 110 Probability and Statistics (ML) 3 credits
HIS 121 Survey of U.S. History I (HUM) 3 credits
OR HIS 122 Survey of U.S. History II (HUM) 3 credits
PSC 211 The New Global Economy (WRII) and (GS) 3 credits
OR PSC 206 Topics in Comparative Politics (WRII) and (GS) 3 credits
OR ECO 222 Economic Geography (GS) 3 credits
ETL 235 Ethical Life (community service required) 3 credits
PSY 100 General Psychology (SS) 3 credits
PSY 210 Life-Span Development (prerequisite PSY- 100) 3 credits
SOC 100 Introduction to Culture and Society (SS) 3 credits
DNC 226 Dance Improvisation (ART) 3 credits
ART 110 Principles of Visual Organization (ART) 3 credits
BIO 111 Concepts in Ecology & Environmental Issues (SCI) 4 credits
First Year Experience:
First Year Seminar 3 credits
College Life .5 credits
Exploring Your Future .5 credits
Total credits for LAC and PDE major requirements: 50 or 51 credits
Education Program /Course Requirements
ECE 101 Introduction to Early Childhood Education 3 credits
ECE 207 Emergent Literacy (Pre-K-Grade 1) 3 credits
ECE 301 Assessment in ECE I (prerequisite ECE 101, EDU 102) 3 credits
ECE 302 Assessment in ECE II (prerequisite ECC -301) 3 credits
ECE 305 Issues and Advocacy in Early Childhood Education 3 credits
EDU 102 Educational Psychology 3 credits
EDU 151 Field Experience I 1 credit
EDU 207 Technology for Educators 3 credits
EDU 211 Literacy I-Grades 2-4 (prerequisite ECE 207) 3 credits
EDU 213 Field Experience II (co-req. EDU 211) 1 credit
EDU 240 Nutrition, Health and Safety 3 credits
EDU 308 Integrating the Arts Across the Curriculum 3 credits
EDU 317 Curriculum, Assessment, & Learning Experiences for Science for Early Childhood Educators 3 credits
EDU 319 Curriculum, Assessment, & Learning Experiences for Social Studies for Early Childhood Educators 3 credits
EDU 321 Field Experience III (Co-requisite– EDU 317, EDU 319, or EDU 332) 1 credit
EDU 332 Curriculum, Assessment, & Learning Experiences for Mathematics for Early Childhood Educators (prerequisite MAT 202) 3 credits
EDU 340 Differentiated Reading Instruction for Early Childhood Education 3 credits (Prerequisite ECE 207, and EDU 211)
SPE 220 Evidence Based Approaches 3 credits
SPE 242 The Exceptional Child: Special Education Process 3 credits
SPE 245 Field Experience IV (Co-requisite SPE 242) 1 credit
SPE 344 Adaptations, Modifications and Assistive Technology 3 credits (Prerequesite SPE 242)
EDU 359 Teaching the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Student 3 credits
EDU 372 Student Teaching: Early Childhood Education (Prerequisites See Student Teaching Checklist) 9 credits
EDU 374 Professional Seminar 3 credits
Total = 70 credits
Total Credits for Early Childhood Education Major and Teacher Certification = 120 or 121 credits
Please note:
*Students must complete the above courses with a Cumulative GPA of 3.0.
*Students may declare the Early Childhood Education major after the successful completion of 48 credits. Students must have passing scores on the Basic Skills tests in Reading, Writing, and Math as required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) in order to declare the Early Childhood Education major.
*Students may not be enrolled in any other course(s) during the student teaching semester.
*Students who are not proficient in oral/written communication in the English language as determined by classroom performance and the evaluation of cooperating mentor teachers in Field Experiences may be required to take additional courses to meet basic competencies in English communication.
Master of Education/5 Year Program
The B.S./M.Ed. program allows students to complete a baccalaureate degree and a Master of Education degree in five years. Contact the Education Department for more information.
A student can earn a B.S. in Early Childhood Education, your initial teacher certification, an English as a Second Language Specialist Certification, and Master Degree in the Art of Teaching, in five years.
This program provides the student with many advantages to enter the competitive teaching field. Through the 5 year program, students become highly qualified and marketable educators. Students progress through the program with the careful oversight of their advisors and support of engaged faculty.
Students completing the 5 Yr. B.S./M.Ed. program may begin taking graduate courses in their junior year provided they have completed an intention form through the Registrar’s office and Education Department.
Education Department Outcomes
- Teacher candidates will demonstrate the knowledge of content and plan effective standards-based instruction that reflects research-based pedagogy and incorporates knowledge of best practices while addressing the needs of all learners.
- Teacher candidates will create motivating and safe learning environments that are accessible to all learners while encouraging positive social interaction, self-management, and active learning.
- Teacher candidates will employ a variety of instructional strategies and technologies to promote students' critical thinking and problem solving skills and differentiate instructional delivery to meet the needs of all learners.
Teacher candidates will demonstrate a high level of professional conduct and a responsive and collaborative attitude when interacting with peers, professors, students, mentor teachers, and the community.
Certification in Special Education PreK - 8
Courses Required for Level I Certification in Special Education PreK - 8 Add On Certification
Special Education Certification as an undergraduate for students who are Early Childhood Education Majors or who are working on or hold Level I or II Early Childhood Education Certification. Special Education Certification as an undergraduate requires dual certification with Early Childhood Education.
Pre-requisites:
SPE 220 Evidence Based Approaches 3 credits
SPE 242 The Exceptional Child: (Prerequisite ECE101) 3 credits
SPE 245 Field Experience IV 1 credit
SPE 344 Adaptations, Modifications and Assistive Technology
Certification Courses:
EDU 359 Teaching the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Students 3 credits
SPE 250 Subject Area Content Access 3 credits
SPE 310 Intensive Reading, Writing, and Mathematics 3 credits
SPE 315 Pervasive Developmental Disorders 3 credits
SPE 333 Screening, Assessment, and IEP Development 3 credits
SPE 346 Collaborative Partnerships 3 credits
SPE 347 Classroom Management 3 credits
SPE 348 Low Incidence Disabilities 3 credits
SPE 375 Student Teaching in Special Education 3 credits
Students must complete the certification requirements for Early Childhood Education certification (PreK-4) certification to be eligible for Special Education PreK-8 certification. Students seeking certification in Special Education will be required to take the Special Ed (PreK-8) certification tests through PECT, modules 8011 and 8012.
