Early childhood educators play a vital role in fostering children's intellectual and social development during their formative years. The program Early Childhood Education (ECE) B.A. with Grades PK-4 Certification prepares teachers for preschool through Grade 4 in public and private educational institutions.
The program leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree and the Pennsylvania Instructional I Certificate in Grades PK-4. Students may expand their certification to the middle-school level by taking an additional certification exam. This teacher preparation program is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Experience a synergy of engaging student learning environment, diverse field experiences, enriching student teaching, and inspiring mentorship by education professors and cooperating teachers.
PROGRAM MISSION
The PK-4 Program is built on a solid foundation of the principles of child development. It focuses on the whole child as it prepares highly-qualified, highly-effective candidates to meet the many and diverse needs of young children in a global society.
September 2025
Alvernia University
400 Saint Bernardine St.,
READING,
Pennsylvania,
19607, United States
Official high school transcript or GED or equivalent
Academic Performance
Maintain a cumulative GPA 3.0 or better
Earn Grade C or better in the required general education and professional education courses
Minimum Score Requirements:
TOEFL: 75 or higher for the Internet-based test.
IELTS: 5.5 or higher.
DUOLINGO: 95 or higher.
PTE: 60 or higher
