Early Childhood Education B.A. with Grades PK-4 & Special Education PK-12 Certifications

The program Early Childhood Education (ECE) B.A. with Grades PK-4 and Special Education (PK-12) Certifications expands teaching career prospects. The dual certification allows program graduates to work as:

elementary educators (preschool though Grade 4)
special education teachers and learning support specialists (preschool though Grade 12)

in public and private educational institutions.

This dual major unlocks an unlimited career potential by positioning prospective teachers to enter the field with competence and confidence.

As an early childhood educator, you lay the foundation for literacy and foster a love of learning in young children. As a special education teacher, you make education accessible for all students.

The program with daytime classes is offered on main campus. The program with evening classes for adults is offered on the Pottsville campus.

The program leads to a B.A. degree and the Pennsylvania Instructional Certificates Grades PK-4 and Special Education (PK-12). This teacher education program is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).

Experience a synergy of engaging student learning environment, diverse field experiences, enriching student teaching, and inspiring mentorship by education professors and PK-4 cooperating teachers.

PROGRAM MISSION

PK-4 Program Mission

The PK-4 Program is built on a solid foundation of the principles of child development. It focuses on the whole child as it prepares highly-qualified, highly-effective candidates to meet the many and diverse needs of young children in a global society.

Special Education Program Mission

The Alvernia University Education Department, rooted in a proud Franciscan heritage, is dedicated to providing instruction in educational theory balanced with current best practices. The Special Education Program focuses on the high leverage practices of interdisciplinary collaboration and inclusivity within a legally and ethically responsible environment, designed to foster growth in all children and adolescents with identified learning needs in our schools today.

PROGRAM CURRICULUM

93 credits

Required General Education Courses

MAT 105, Math for Teachers: Principles of Mathematics
MAT 106, Math for Teachers: Geometry
MAT 208, Probability & Statistics
HIS XXX (any History course)
BIO 102, Fundamentals of Biology or BIO 109, Human Biology
PSY 101, Introductory Psychology
PSY 312, Psychology of Play

Note: The University requirements are met as follows: Exploring the Natural World (6 cr.) - MAT 105, BIO 102/109; Individuals & Communities (3 cr.) - PSY 101; Human Diversity (3 cr.) - SPE 110. Other general education courses may vary depending on a selected path of knowledge.

Professional Education Courses

Year 1

SPE 110, Overview of Human Exceptionalities
ED 110, The Teaching Profession

Year 2

ED 204, Human Learning
ED 209, Instructional Planning (pre-reqs.: ED 110, ED 204)
SPE 245, Individuals Requiring Complex Supports

Year 3

ED 313, Classroom Management & Professional Ethics (pre-req.: ED 209)
ED 315, Foundations of Literacy Development
ED 302, Literacy Instruction (pre-req.: SPE 315)
ED 320, Assessment & Evaluation
ED 370, Teaching English Language Learners (pre-req.: ED 209)
ED 445, Universal Design for Learning & Digital Technologies (pre-reqs.: ED 209, SPE 110)
SPE 335, Supporting Neurodiversity & Mental Health
SPE 343, Personal Management & Technologies for Individuals with Disabilities
SPE 410, Evaluation & Progress Monitoring of Special Needs Students
SPE 420, Secondary Transition Planning for Students with Special Needs
SPE 425, Special Education Law & Professional Practices

Year 4

ED 403, Reading Methods for Elementary Inclusive Classrooms
ED 404, Teaching Math in the Elementary School
ED 414, Teaching Social Studies in the Elementary School
ED 440, Teaching Science in the Elementary School
ED 436, Field Experience III (150-hour pre-student teaching)

(These fall semester courses are co-requisites.)

ED 470, Student Teaching (14 weeks, 2 placements)
ED 472, Student Teaching Seminar

(These spring semester courses are co-requisites.)

Notes:

The University requirements are met as follows: Writing Enhanced - ED 110; Senior Capstone - ED 470 & ED 472.
During senior year, students take certification exams.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Academic Performance

Maintain a cumulative GPA 3.0 or better
Earn Grade C or better in the required general education and professional education courses

Field Experience

Maintain regulatory compliance for the educators' field experiences including:

PA Criminal Record Check (Act 34) PA Child Abuse History Clearance (Act 151)
FBI Clearance (Act 114)
University Health Requirements
Annual TB Screening Certificate of completion the training Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse: Mandated and Permissive Reporting in Pennsylvania (Act 31)
Liability waiver

Read about the requirements for education field experiences.

Teacher Candidacy

Teacher candidacy signifies a formal admission to the teacher preparation program. Achieving a teacher candidacy status is required for taking the upper division education courses, pre-student teaching, and student teaching. Students must apply by the end of their sophomore year. Mid-degree transfer students must apply by the second semester of their studies at Alvernia University. The achieve a teacher candidacy status, a student must satisfy the following requirements:

Earn minimum of 48 credits including 6 credits of math, 3 - English composition, and 3 - American/British literature with earned Grade C or better
Maintain a cumulative GPA 3.0 or better
Maintain regulatory compliance for the educators' field experiences
Apply for teacher candidacy and receive an approval from their education faculty advisor and the Education Department Chair

Student Teaching

Student teaching occurs during the last semester in the program and includes two 14-week placements in PK-4 classrooms. To be admitted to student teaching, a student must satisfy the following requirements:

Complete the required general core and professional education courses except ED 470 & ED 472 with Grade C or better
Maintain a cumulative GPA 3.0 or better
Maintain regulatory compliance for the educators' field experiences

Read about:

Questions? Contact:

Admissions
1-888-ALVERNIA or 610-796-8269
admissions@alvernia.edu

Dr. Lucinda Schaeffer
Director, Special Education Programs
610-790-1931
lucinda.schaeffer@alvernia.edu