Mission

The Harcum College Early Childhood Education Program is dedicated to preparing students from diverse backgrounds to pursue a professional career in the field of education.  Our program is based on the NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) standards which include but are not limited to the following:

•     Promoting child development and learning
•     Building family and community relationships
•     Observing, documenting and assessing to support young children and families
•     Teaching and learning
•     Becoming a professional

The Harcum College Early Childhood Program strives to prepare our students to become high quality professionals who will make a difference in their communities by displaying and understanding the importance of professionalism, lifelong learning, building community, developmentally appropriate practice, and culturally responsive awareness. 

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 or Full-time accelerated

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 (Apply Online!)
• $50 Application Fee
• 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

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

Course Sequence

First Semester

EDU 112	Early Childhood Education	4 cr.
ENG 101	Composition I	3 cr.
PSY 154	Child Development	3 cr.
ART 120	Integrated Arts in Education	3 cr.
		13 cr.

Second Semester

EDU 122	Intro. to Special Education	3 cr.
ENG 102	Composition II	3 cr.
EDU 220	Early Literacy	3 cr.
EDU 202	Program Planning: Inf/Tod	4 cr.
HUM	Humanities Elective	3 cr.
		16 cr.

Summer Semester

Third Semester

EDU 206	Science Methods PreK-4	3 cr.
EDU 209	Math Methods PreK-4	3 cr.
EDU 212	Social St. Methods PreK-4	3 cr.
SOC	Sociology Elective	3 cr.
MTH 113	College Mathematics	3 cr.
		15 cr.

Fourth Semester

PSY 113	The Inclusive Classroom	3cr.
PSY 213	Educational Psychology	3 cr.
EDU 228	PreK Methods & Field Exp.	6 cr.
BIO or GSC	Science Elective	3 or 4 cr.
		15  or 16 cr.

Total number of credits: 62 or 63 (based on science lab) 

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