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
Starting freshman year, students engage in field experiences that build essential skills in diverse settings. Integrated with coursework, these experiences allow immediate application of educational theories. Opportunities include the Bearcat B.E.S.T. program, environmental education at Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve, lesson planning for homeschooling students in our STEP-Up program, and immersive co-teaching. By their 14-week student teaching internship, students are fully prepared to lead. Learn more details about our educational field experiences.
SVC’s Department of Education prioritizes service, encouraging students to engage meaningfully with the community. Through various opportunities, students develop empathy, leadership, and practical skills, and they can earn a service medal for commencement. A notable initiative is SVC Wraps for Kids, where students shop and wrap presents for disadvantaged children. This video highlights this wonderful service opportunity.
The Fred Rogers Institute and the SVC Department of Education collaborate to enrich student and faculty experiences through shared values of child-centered learning, compassion, and early development. This partnership grants education students access to resources like archival materials, workshops, and expert seminars, integrating Fred Rogers’ philosophy into their training.
Education faculty at Saint Vincent College bring extensive real-world experience, blending practical knowledge with a supportive, student-centered approach. As former teachers, administrators, and specialists, they offer relevant insights and personalized guidance. This experience makes them approachable mentors, committed to preparing future educators for success in diverse teaching environments.
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.
“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
“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.
"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
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.
General Studies (19 credits)
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
