Early Childhood Education

The Early Childhood Education (ECE) program provides the academic preparation for students who plan to further study in the field of education.

The program focuses on the development of teaching skills, such as assessment, lesson planning, and classroom management, which are used in early childhood education settings. It fosters an interdisciplinary approach to empowering students and developing the knowledge and skills necessary for the provision of quality education. Students can discover and articulate how their faith life enlightens their chosen academic pathways.

Program Student Learning Goals

• Students will demonstrate content knowledge needed for effective teaching in early childhood settings.
• Students will demonstrate application of content knowledge in early childhood education and development.
• Students will be able to articulate a Christian worldview to education.

Curriculum

FIELD EXPERIENCE

Field experience is an essential element of the Esperanza College program for students gain first-hand experience in the field they plan to pursue. For students in the early childhood education concentration, these opportunities may include assisting a teacher, working with small groups, or tutoring students. As part of their coursework, students are gradually introduced to the full range of experiences associated with a teacher’s role. Students can expect to gain invaluable experience, connections, and an understanding of the field. Upon matriculation into the program, students will be informed of field experience placement and timeline from the Director of the concentration.

Examples of field experience have included:

• Asociación Puertorriqueños en Marcha for Everyone (APM)
• Aspira
• FCM Child Care & Development Center
• Hunting Park Christian Academy
• The Lighthouse Family School
• Norris Square Community Alliance
• Norris Square Neighborhood Project
• Precious Children Learning Center
• Timothy Academy

4-YEAR PLAN

The Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education provides a strong foundation for further coursework towards a bachelor’s degree. Upon completing their associate degree at Esperanza College, students can continue working towards a bachelor’s degree at a four-year institution. The exact number of credits transferred is determined by each receiving institution, but those who choose to continue at Eastern University can do so without missing a beat: the two years of undergraduate work along with the initial prerequisites of the program will be counted toward the degree without any loss of credits.

CAREER PATH

Many of our students are interested in teaching. They can work as teachers, teacher’s aides, group supervisors, and more.

RESOURCES

• T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® PENNSYLVANIA Early Childhood Associate Degree Scholarship Application
• T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood PENNSYLVANIA First Step/Last Step Scholarship Model