Harcum College: Early Childhood Education

Apply Online

Go to the Campus Store

Search

Click for Email Login

Early Childhood Education

Home > Harcum Athletics > Degree Programs > Center for Human Services > Early Childhood Education

Overview

The Early Childhood Education Program is designed to prepare students for one of two optional career paths:

Through courses in Early Childhood Development, Program Planning, and a variety of supervised practicum experiences with children aged 0-5, students will be prepared to enter the field of childcare as assistant teachers or assistant group supervisors. After two years experience in the field, graduates with an associate degree may advance professionally to hold positions as lead teachers or group supervisors. Graduates of the program work in infant/toddler programs, preschool settings, and other childcare venues.
Students who wish to pursue a career in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and/or Special Education are provided with the opportunity to acquire foundation skills in Education, as well as to fulfill their core course requirements before transferring to a four-year Education program.

Program Offerings

Starts Fall, Spring and Summer semesters. All professional coursework begins in the Fall semester. Students may enroll in other semesters to complete core and preparatory coursework.
Offered Full-time Day and Part-time Day/ Late Afternoon

Practicum

Supervised field experiences are an integral part of the Early Childhood Education curriculum. The Harcum-based Children's Corner for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers provides the opportunity for close coordination between academic and practical learning. In the first three semesters, students make regular site visits as part of their ongoing coursework. In the final semester, students take on more direct responsibilities and, through extensive supervised practical work at the site, develop entry-level skills in early childhood education.

Outcomes

The State Department of Education certifies the graduate (A.A. degree) as an Assistant Teacher. Graduates may begin to work in the childcare industry immediately or may continue their education in a four-year program. Some graduates combine the two options; they enroll in a four-year program while supporting themselves financially through a position in the childcare industry.

Application Requirements are as follows:

Completed Harcum College application
Official high school transcript showing a minimum grade point average of 2.0 and/or a minimum SAT score of 750
Official college transcript(s), if applicable
Letter of recommendation
Personal essay on the topic of "Why I want to go into Early Childhood Education"
TOEFL scores are required for students for whom English is a second language.
Application deadline date is February 15.

Before beginning professional coursework, accepted students must show proof of the following:

Child Abuse Clearance
Criminal Record check
Physical examination
Immunization (Mantoux/PPD TB test, MMR booster)
Fingerprinting

Hepatitis B series immunization and certification in infant CPR are also recommended.

T.E.A.C.H. Scholarships for Child Care Professionals

T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® PENNSYLVANIA is a scholarship program for child care professionals living and working in Pennsylvania. The scholarship provides financial assistance and other supports so child care professionals can attend classes while continuing to work full-time. In addition to tuition assistance and reimbursements for travel and books, T.E.A.C.H. recipients have access to a T.E.A.C.H. counselor to help them navigate the college system and earn their CDA or degree. After successfully completing a scholarship year, T.E.A.C.H. recipients earn a raise or bonus. As part of the scholarship agreement, T.E.A.C.H. recipients agree to remain at their sponsoring center for at least one year after each scholarship year. For eligibility information and to apply, visit http://www.pacca.org/TEACH