BS in Early Childhood Education (Pre K-4)

Bachelor's Description

This program is designed for students who are interested in pursuing a BS in Early Childhood Education (Pre K- 4).  The Undergraduate Education Program is designed to develop excellent teachers and educational practitioners who can serve in a variety of settings in early and basic education. Students are prepared to communicate effectively, think critically, utilize technology appropriately, learn independently and collaboratively, and serve competently in their chosen fields.

Eastern's education certification programs are designed to meet the standards of the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE).  PDE will be eliminating the Elementary certification (K-6) as of December 31, 2012. Two new certifications will be in effect as of January 1, 2013. They are Early Childhood certification (Pre K-4) and Middle Level certification (4-8).

Why at Eastern?

• International Exchange Program in Auckland, New Zealand and Vancouver, British Columbia
• Craymer Curriculum Lab – includes children’s publications, educational manipulatives, teaching curriculum, etc
• Integration of Christian faith and education major
• Excellent student teaching opportunities in a wide variety of settings including urban, suburban, and rural
• Student organizations – The Council for Exceptional Children, Kappa Delta Pi (honor society), Pennsylvania Student Education Association
• Faculty with extraordinary academic and professional backgrounds
• Emphasis on individualized counseling for all Education students
• Strong student teaching and job placement assistance

Featured Faculty Member

Cathy Neimetz, Ph.D.

Cathy earned a Ph.D. in Developmental Psychology where she worked on various research and intervention projects to improve the quality of early childhood programs.  She works to build partnerships with 2-year institutions as well as state-wide and regional early childhood organizations to support degree completion for future early childhood teachers.  Dr. Neimetz directs a grant that supports teachers who are currently in the field in obtaining their early childhood degree/certification.  She is developing partnerships with Chinese early childhood professionals to collaborate and share ways of improving early childhood education and teacher preparation in both countries.  View more about Cathy.

Minors/Certifications

• Early Childhood (Pre K-4)
• Early Childhood with Special Education (N-8)
• English as a Second Language (K-12)
• Foreign Language (French and Spanish) (K-12)
• Music (K-12)

The Undergraduate Experience