Early Childhood Education
Early Childhood Education
Pursue a satisfying career as professional educator and prepare the youngest of students for success for the rest of their lives.
Why study Early Childhood Education?
Connect one-on-one with faculty, fellow students, and other professionals through classroom instruction, hands-on learning, and field placements:
- Learn best practices for planning and preparing environments and instruction in early childhood and primary-grade settings.
- Become an effective communicator who can make informed decisions, think critically and creatively, and examine ethical issues in order to enhance educational excellence.
- Work with expert faculty who will prepare you for a bachelor’s degree and certification to teach in a variety of Pre-K to fourth grade settings
- The non-certification curriculum will prepare students to work with children from birth through eight in diverse learning environments.
- Graduates of the associate in science program are prepared for entry-level positions or to continue in Keystone College’s baccalaureate degree program in early childhood.
Receive personalized attention and top-notch instruction in a supportive environment:
- Our Stairs to Success developmental plan for success will guide you through your time at Keystone.
- 100% of students receive financial aid.
- Over 175 scholarships are awarded yearly.
Career Options
- Daycare Provider
- Elementary School Teacher
- Preschool Manager
- Reading Specialist
Employers
- Children’s Center at Keystone College
- Scranton School District
- Treasure House Child Development
Contact
Dr. Heather Shanks-McElroy
Program Director
570-945-8475
heather.mcelroy@keystone.edu
Program
Education Home
Semester Map, BS (120 Credits)
Semester Map, BS (non-certification) (120 Credits)
Semester Map, AS (62 Credits)
Minors
College Catalog
Tuition & Financial Aid
Program Goals
- To develop candidates’ content knowledge related to learners, content areas, and evidenced based practices essential for effective and equitable teaching.
- To prepare candidates with skills for planning and implementing purposeful learning experiences
- To guide and prompt students to acquire knowledge, skills and competencies regarding a broad range of computer technologies and software and to use them responsibly.
- To prepare candidates so they acknowledge multiple perspectives and plan diverse experiences to address the academic, interpersonal, and emotional needs of all learners.
- To prepare candidates to collect and analyze and use multiple assessments and tools to enhance student achievement.
- To prepare candidates to respect and demonstrate professional integrity through behaviors that reflect national, state, and institutional ethical standards and equip students to operate as collaborative professionals.
- To provide authentic field experiences for students so they can demonstrate their learning as they observe and work with a teacher and support staff and interact with children in a learning environment.
Exceptional experiences.
Giant outcomes.
14:1
Keystone student-to-faculty ratio
18%
increase in jobs over the next 10 years
31-69K
Median annual salary for early childhood careers
Important Resources for Education Students
Formal Admission
Learn how to apply as an Education student. You must be formally accepted into the education program before being permitted to take 3000/4000 level courses.
Teacher Certification Prep
Learn about accelerated programs if you already have your bachelor's degree and want to teach in Pennsylvania.
Apprenticeship Programs
Learn how high school students interested in early childhood care and those currently working in a the field can gain on the job training and earn college credit.
Early Field Placement
Learn how to succeed in your first, second, and third year placements. Each field participation provides an opportunity to experience life in the classroom.
Student Teaching
Learn about student teaching in your senior year. Student teaching takes place in two seven week periods after all academic course work is complete.
Clearances
Learn the process for clearances. Any education student wishing to participate in a field experience or student teaching must obtain required clearances every year.
Featured Faculty
Karen Arcangelo, PhD, NCSP
Jan Kaskey
Caroline Millen, PhD
Jeanie Prall
Heather Shanks-McElroy, PhD
Maryellen Tharp
You Belong at Keystone
Become part of the Keystone family!