The Leading Teacher Program (LTP) in Early Childhood Education is designed to prepare leading teachers for classrooms in our nations schools, childcare settings, and agencies with children ranging from newborn through age eight. Graduates are certified to teach in preschool, kindergarten, and primary classrooms including grades one, two, and three in Pennsylvania. Students may opt to earn dual certification in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, which certifies them to teach in pre- kindergarten through grade six. Throughout the program, teacher candidates have the opportunity to develop professional and personal competence by participating in experiences that are both theoretical and applied in local, national, and international settings. All teacher candidates complete a set core of experiences in professional education including participation in guided fieldwork.

The Early Childhood Education program received national recognition from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The Early Childhood/Elementary Education program is guided by Pennsylvania state standards, and by the national professional standards of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Teacher candidates address professional standards in each of the early childhood curriculum areas through course projects and implement the standards in their fieldwork.

The program is also guided by a focus on the child-centered philosophy that takes a developmental-interactionist approach to teaching and learning. Sensitivity is modeled by instructors to the age, the individuality, and the culture of each child. Instructors promote the principle that children are entitled to a quality education in the least restrictive environment, making education inclusive of and accessible to all. In addition, they encourage family involvement and acknowledge its significance in each childs educational experience. All of the experiences in the Early Childhood/Elementary program reflect the themes of Leadership, Diversity, and Technology and are based on the five domains of the Leading Teacher Program.

The Early Childhood/Elementary program is a 139 credit program that consists of courses and experiences organized into four major areas of study: General Education; Academic Cognate; Foundations of Education; Professional Preparation. Details of the program are provided in the description of the Foundations of The Leading Teacher Program.

Significant changes to certification in PA are forthcoming and will apply to the incoming class of 2009. Modifications to certification programs will be published when approved.

Curriculum Course and Program Sequence Sheets