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Program Duration: 2 Year Program
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Degree Type: Associate in Arts (A.A.)
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Total Credit Hours: 62
About This Program
The Education: Early Childhood (Birth to 4th Grade) Program develops the knowledge and competence of students interested in teaching or working in related careers with children birth through fourth grade. The Program provides a sound theoretical foundation in principles of child growth and development from the prenatal period through the primary years, as well as a functional understanding of programs and curricula appropriate for young children. Skills emphasized include child observation, curriculum planning for diverse learners, advocacy, and interpersonal and communication abilities.
The A.A. Education: Early Childhood (Birth to 4th Grade) at Community College of Philadelphia is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The current accreditation term runs from March 2021 through March 2028
Program Effectiveness Data
| Academic Year | Number of program completers | % of program completers who were attending full-time (at the time of completion) | % of program completers who were attending part-time1 (at the time of completion) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Year 21-22 | Number of program completers 62 | % of program completers who were attending full-time (at the time of completion) 16.13% | % of program completers who were attending part-time1 (at the time of completion) 83.87% |
| Academic Year 22-23 | Number of program completers 55 | % of program completers who were attending full-time (at the time of completion) 7.27% | % of program completers who were attending part-time1 (at the time of completion) 92.73% |
| Academic Year 23-24 | Number of program completers 46 | % of program completers who were attending full-time (at the time of completion) 21.74% | % of program completers who were attending part-time1 (at the time of completion) 78.26% |
Transfer Opportunities
A private university known for its diverse academic programs and global perspective, located in Glenside, Pennsylvania.
Public university in central Pennsylvania offering diverse programs.
A private research university in Philadelphia known for co-op programs and innovation.
A public university in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, offering various majors.
A public research university in Philadelphia, offering diverse programs and a vibrant campus experience.
Program Entry Requirements
Students are required to satisfy placement at the time of admission. Students identified as needing developmental work must satisfactorily complete the appropriate developmental English and mathematics courses as part of the program.
Because students will be required to observe and work with young children the Program requires students to meet the requirements of the Child Protective Services Law, 23 Pa. C.S.A., section 6344 (relating to prospective child care personnel). Students must therefore present up-to-date Pennsylvania criminal history reports, Federal Bureau of Investigation criminal history reports, Department of Public Welfare (child abuse) reports, and health clearances, clearly stating that they are eligible to work with children. (Up-to-date clearance is defined as being no more than 12 months old on the first day of working with children.) Failure to produce up-to-date clearances or a change of clearance status may result in a student's removal from the program. A student who believes that an error of fact has been made in his/her removal may appeal that decision. Information regarding the appeal procedure will be provided with the letter of removal.
Program of Study and Graduation Requirements
To qualify for the Associate in Arts (A.A.) Degree in Education: Early Childhood (Birth-4th grade) program, a student must complete a minimum of 62 credit hours as described in the course listing below. Students enrolled this program who are also enrolled in the Early Childhood Education Proficiency Certificate must complete an additional course, ED 151: Health, Safety and Nutrition of Young Children, resulting in 65 credits. In addition, the student must have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0, and a minimum grade of "C" in all Education courses. During their matriculation in the Education: Early Childhood (Birth-4th grade), it is strongly recommended that students meet with a designated Education academic advisor to choose their courses. Students whose behavior is viewed as inconsistent with professional standards may be dropped from the curriculum pending a departmental hearing.
Prior Learning Assessment:
Students may be eligible to apply for credits for prior learning. Interested students should contact the program coordinator for further information regarding the criteria and an application.
General Education Requirements
All general education requirements necessary for graduation are met through the courses in the program as indicated above. Students who wish to take courses that differ from the general education courses indicated above must complete a course substitution request form. To access the form, login to the MyCCP portal, and in the Student tab, under Electronic Forms, click on the Records and Registration Forms link, then choose Request For Course Substitution Of Graduation Requirement link. A more detailed explanation of the College's general education requirements is also available.
Launch Your Career in Early Childhood Education
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education – est. salary $75,800
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education – est. salary $71,893
- Nanny – est. salary $25,688
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education – est. salary $37,513*
Career Outlook
Median Salary of Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education
Number of Jobs in the Region
10-year Job Outlook in the Region for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education
Instruct preschool-aged children in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth needed for primary school in preschool, day care center, or other child development facility. May be required to hold State certification.
Starting Pay: $21,595
Typical Tasks
- Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order.
- Organize and lead activities designed to promote physical, mental, and social development, such as games, arts and crafts, music, storytelling, and field trips.
- Teach basic skills, such as color, shape, number and letter recognition, personal hygiene, and social skills.
- Read books to entire classes or to small groups.
- Observe and evaluate children's performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
Let's Get Started
