Department Contact:
Division of Professional Studies Dean: Dr. Tricia McFadden
Division of Professional Studies Director: Mrs. Sherri Link, Academic & Student Affairs
Partnering Academic Department: Education
Chair: Dr. Stephanie Ivory, sivory@francis.edu
Program Description:
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education program will prepare you for a career as an advocate and mentor for young children. You will discover how to effectively teach early learners, facilitate developmentally stimulating environments, promote ethical standards through reflective practice, and develop characteristics of effective leadership among children and adults in an early childhood environment. The program focuses on child development, health/nutrition, parent/family involvement, curriculum development, and administration of ECE programs. The BA degree does not lead to state teaching certification.
Accreditation Statement:
This program does not require approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Estimated Completion Time:
Typically 3 to 5 years of part-time study
Student Learning Outcomes:
- Content and Pedagogical Knowledge: Pre-service teachers will acquire knowledge of teaching content and pedagogy including understanding and knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice, teaching standards, varying forms of assessment, differentiated instruction, technology integration, state and federal mandates, behavior management, and implementation of best practices.
- Clinical Competence: Pre-service teachers will possess the ability to provide effective instruction to a diverse population of students. Students within the professional program will utilize assessment and observation to guide instructional practices. Graduates will possess the necessary content knowledge as well as clinical reasoning and problem-solving abilities to provide appropriate instruction for all learners in an educational environment conducive of learning.
- Interpersonal and Communication Skills: Pre-service teachers will possess interpersonal and communication skills including verbal, nonverbal, and written forms that result in effective information exchange with students, parents, administration, and colleagues.
- Professionalism: Graduates will demonstrate effective academic and professional skills, attributes, attitudes, and behaviors necessary to function as a practicing educator. Program completers will demonstrate qualities and characteristics as defined by the Teacher Information Management System (TIMS) for recommendation for Level I teaching certification.
Admission Requirements:
See Division of Professional Studies for Admission criteria and information.
Admission Deadline:
The program has rolling admission.
Technical Standards or Essential Functions:
Saint Francis University is committed to the principle that no qualified individual, on the basis of disability, be excluded from participation in or denied the benefits or services, programs or activities of the University, or be subjected to discrimination by the University as required by the Americans with Disability Act. The Division of Professional Studies and the Education Department adhere to the policies for academic accommodations as determined by the Center for Academic Success. The Center’s Office of Disability Services assists eligible students in receiving basic services as determined by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disability Act. Every effort is made to arrange appropriate academic accommodations for students who experience physical or mental disabilities. Students are required to provide appropriate documentation to the accessibility coordinator upon request of the accommodation.
Licensure and/or Certification:
This program is not designed to lead to licensure or certification.
Total Credits Required:
128 credits
Capstone Requirement:
Students are required to complete EDUC 407 Seminar Capstone.
Note:
Field experiences are off-campus activities that provide opportunities to apply theories and concepts studied in the classroom. These mandatory experiences are directed by University faculty, facilitated by teacher mentors, and are an integral part of all education courses leading up to student teaching. Activities include, but are not limited to, observing, tutoring, lesson planning, and developing instructional materials. Field experiences may take place in public or non-public schools, or in community agencies approved by University faculty.
This program is offered in an online format through the Division of Professional Studies.