New online Early Childhood Education program helps address teacher shortages
Alvernia University has partnered with the Pennsylvania Child Care Association (PACCA) to offer the Teacher Education and Compensation Helps (T.E.A.C.H.) Early Childhood® Pennsylvania Scholarships for students enrolled in its Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education with PK-4 Certification program. The partnership features a special tuition agreement, allowing child care professionals across Pennsylvania to pursue higher education while continuing to work full-time.
“As part of Alvernia’s ongoing commitment to providing affordable and accessible academic programs for working adults, this partnership offers a flexible pathway for child care professionals to advance their education and careers,” said Alvernia Vice President for Graduate and Adult Education Gaetan T. Giannini, Ed.D. “By aligning our tuition with the state rate, we are helping to alleviate financial burdens and support the continued development of highly qualified educators across the state.”
Qualified T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Pennsylvania Scholarship recipients will benefit from a reduced tuition rate of $322 per credit hour, aligned with Pennsylvania’s current state rate. This ensures that as the state rate evolves, Alvernia’s tuition will remain responsive to those changes, further increasing access to higher education for child care professionals. The scholarship covers up to six credits per semester, allowing recipients to progress steadily toward their degree without financial barriers.
“As Pennsylvania faces a growing teacher shortage, it’s critical that we respond by equipping our educators with the tools and qualifications necessary to meet this challenge,” said Alvernia Dean of the College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences Elizabeth Matteo, Ph.D. “This partnership with PACCA ensures child care professionals can access a high-quality education while continuing to make an impact in their communities.”
The teacher shortage in Pennsylvania continues to be a significant issue, with many districts struggling to fill critical roles. Alvernia’s fully online program offers working professionals the opportunity to complete their degrees without disrupting their employment, making it easier for them to remain in the workforce while they pursue further education.
The agreement between Alvernia and PACCA is effective from August 15, 2024, to August 14, 2025, and applies to all scholarship recipients enrolled in Alvernia’s Early Childhood Education program during this period.
