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Education Early Childhood PreK-4

  • Bachelor of Science
  • Certificate

2024-2025 Best Colleges of Distinction badge designed with a blue background and flame icon.The early childhood education program at Saint Vincent College prepares students to make a positive impact in the lives of young children. Rooted in the philosophy of Fred Rogers, the program emphasizes the importance of nurturing relationships, child development, and play-based learning. Students gain a strong foundation in developmental psychology, early literacy, and instructional strategies tailored to young learners. Field experiences begin in the freshman year and continue each year, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real classroom settings. This hands-on approach culminates in a student teaching internship, where students work under the guidance of experienced teachers. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in preschool, kindergarten, and early elementary education, with the versatility to support diverse learning needs and environments. Students may also be interested in the following related programs:

Minor Disability Studies with PK-12 Special Education Certification
Minor Children’s Studies
Minor Children's Literature
Education PreK to 12 
STEM Education

Undergraduate Programs

Program Highlights

Careers and Outcomes

An early childhood education degree from Saint Vincent College prepares graduates for impactful careers working with young learners in a variety of settings. Many pursue teaching roles in preschool, pre-kindergarten, or primary school, focusing on foundational learning experiences. For those interested in broader roles, options in early childhood program administration, curriculum development, and instructional coaching are available. The skills acquired—such as effective communication, organization, and problem-solving—are also applicable to fields like museum education, corporate training, and nonprofit work. This degree equips graduates to positively influence early learning environments and support children’s growth in and beyond the classroom. Upon graduation, 98% of our students have gained employment in a teaching field, related field, or go on to graduate school.

Alumni will go on to successful careers as:
  • Elementary Teachers
  • Preschool Teachers
  • Instructional Coaches
  • Curriculum Developers
  • Educational Consultants
  • Corporate Trainers
  • Museum Educators
Our students have secured jobs at a variety of places including:
  • School Districts Across the Commonwealth and U.S.
  • Catholic Schools Across the Commonwealth and U.S.
  • Independent Schools such as The Valley School of Ligonier
  • Museums
  • Fred Rogers Institute
  • Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve

Student Success Stories

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    Alicia Ramsier Young, C’12 G’14

    “St. Vincent gave me a wholesome experience to jump-start my career as a teacher. I’m forever thankful for all the wonderful professors and field experiences I had while obtaining my degree.”

    2nd Grade Teacher, Bentworth School District; Teach Plus Policy Fellow

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    Megan Regula, C’14

    “My educational experience at Saint Vincent College stands out because my early field experience classes prepared me to impact students’ lives. Florida school districts struggle to find certified teachers with experience, and Saint Vincent gave me the skills needed to immediately help students without struggling as a new teacher. Saint Vincent also has guided me to being a servant leader as I have helped many students in Title 1 schools gain access to supplies, field trips, & experiences their peers may have in other non-Title I schools.”

    Instructional Leadership Team as the School IST Chair, Interventionist, & Academic MTSS Facilitator, Blanche H. Daughtrey Elementary School, Manatee County, Florida.

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    Annie (Rifilato) Burgh, C'17

    "The Saint Vincent Education Department prepared me for my future classroom by getting me into the field beginning freshman year and every year thereafter through student teaching. I did not feel like a first-year teacher when I landed my first job. I have much more confidence."

    3rd grade teacher, Emerald Hill Elementary School, Culpepper, Virginia

Curriculum Requirements

The early childhood major, housed within the School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, is enriched by a core curriculum that immerses students in a wide range of academic subjects. Through both foundational and advanced coursework, students discover interdisciplinary connections, enhancing their self-awareness and building expertise in their chosen field.

  • Required Courses

    General Studies (19 credits)

    • ED 100 Foundations of Education (Also fulfills Core Curriculum requirements.)
    • HI 107 Topics in US History
    • CL 130 Children’s Literature (Also fulfills Core Curriculum requirements.)
    • NSCI 125 Environmental Science  (Also fulfills Core Curriculum requirements.)
    • ED 142 Mathematics for Teachers
    • ED 290 Psychology and Education for Exceptional Students (Also fulfills Core Curriculum requirements.)
     
    Early Childhood Education (75 credits)
    • ED 101 Field Experience I
    • ED 115 Educational Psychology
    • ED 122 Curriculum, Projects, and Play for the Developing Child
    • ED 155 Geometric and Measurement Theory
    • ED 200 Comprehension & Vocabulary Essentials for Early & Special Learners
    • ED 205 Strategies and Techniques of Instruction
    • ED 206 Field Experience II: Strategies and Techniques of Instruction
    • ED 208 Classroom Partnerships and Inclusion
    • PY 212 Child Development
    • ED 230 Social Studies for Early and Special Learners
    • ED 242 Numerical and Manipulative Math for Early and Special Learners
    • ED 244 Science and the Environment for Early and Special Learners
    • ED 250 Reading and Writing for Early and Special Learners
    • ED 308 Performance and Visual Arts for Early and Special Learners
    • ED 317 Program Development for Infants and Toddlers
    • ED 318 Field Experience III: Early Childhood Instruction and Theory
    • ED 320 Composition and Language Arts for Upper Elementary
    • ED 325 Physical Health and Wellness for Early Educators
    • ED 330 Early Childhood Leadership and Community Advocacy
    • ED 381 Educational Testing
    • ED 390 Promoting Youth Cultural Competence & Diversity
    • ED 400 Field Experience IV: Pre-Student Teaching
    • ED401 Pre-student Teaching Seminar
    • ED 410 Field Experience V: Student Teaching Internship
    • ED 411 Professional Seminar
  • Key Courses

    Curriculum, Projects, and Play for the Developing Child: Students will design developmentally appropriate preschool lessons and activities including lessons in art and music, engaging science experiments, and more, all while encouraging young children to love to learn.

    Social Studies for Early and Special Learners: Students will bring social studies to life for students through technology, simulations, role play, and writing opportunities.

    Early Childhood Leadership and Community Advocacy: Students will assess their abilities as leaders, listeners, and team players when they design and participate in a meaningful community project. Past projects include designing and implementing an early learning classroom, leading a campus-wide charity drive, and creating a program for visiting high school students.

Facilities and Resources

Makerspace in Latimer Library

The Makerspace at Saint Vincent College is a dynamic, hands-on learning environment essential to education programs. Equipped with tools for 3D printing, robotics, coding, and more, it helps students explore creative teaching strategies that integrate STEM and arts. Whether designing interactive science experiments, creating art projects with new technology, or developing games that support mathematical concepts, education majors gain practical experience in designing engaging hands-on activities for 21st-century classrooms.

Click here for a virtual tour of Makerspaces

Fred Rogers Institute

The Fred Rogers Institute and the Education Department at Saint Vincent College have partnered to enrich education for students and faculty. This collaboration, rooted in fostering child development, early learning, and the values championed by Fred Rogers himself, gives students access to the Institute’s resources, workshops, and expert staff.

Click here for a virtual tour of the Fred Rogers Institute.

Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve

The Education Department at Saint Vincent College partners with the Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve (WPNR) to create immersive learning experiences emphasizing environmental education. Situated on campus, the Reserve offers over 50 acres of preserved land, filled with native plants, diverse ecosystems, and scenic trails, serving as an outdoor classroom.

Education students gain hands-on teaching experience in environmental and sustainability education through interactive field experiences. The partnership also involves curriculum development, integrating environmental literacy with core subjects like math, language arts, and social studies.

Click here for a virtual tour of the Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve and the surrounding area

Program Distinctives

Pennsylvania Department of Education Accreditation

Saint Vincent College’s teacher preparation programs are fully accredited by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), ensuring that our curriculum, faculty, and field experiences meet the highest standards of educational excellence. This accreditation means that our programs have been rigorously evaluated and align with state requirements, preparing graduates to be highly qualified, effective educators ready to enter the teaching profession. Through PDE accreditation, students in our education programs are eligible for certification in Pennsylvania upon graduation, enabling them to teach in their specific areas of study. The accreditation process also reflects our commitment to continuous improvement, as we regularly assess and enhance our programs to stay current with educational best practices and evolving standards in the field.

NASDTEC Interstate Agreement

Through the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, Pennsylvania allows individuals who have completed a teacher preparation program or are already certified teachers in other states to receive Pennsylvania teaching certification through reciprocity. Pennsylvania-certified teachers can also transfer their certification to other states. Each state may have different testing and application requirements, so candidates should check the NASDTEC website for specific information on transferring their certification.

Undergraduate Programs