Online Colleges in Pennsylvania

Early childhood education is a crucial phase in a child’s development, and Pennsylvania recognizes the significance of quality education during these formative years.

In this article, we will explore the landscape of online colleges in Pennsylvania that offer programs in early childhood education, focusing on the requirements, opportunities, and career paths available to aspiring early childhood educators.

Early Childhood Education in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania boasts a strong standing in early childhood education, ranking among the top one-third of states in the field. The state has made significant efforts to enhance early childhood education, drawing inspiration from neighboring states like New York and Connecticut.

In 2017, the Pennsylvania government announced initiatives aimed at increasing resources and reaffirming their commitment to early learners and teachers.

To ensure high-quality education, Pennsylvania has established rigorous standards for teacher education, testing, and licensure. Teachers are required to complete a state-approved teacher preparation course, emphasizing the importance of educational qualifications for teachers in both public and private schools. The Pennsylvania Department of Education oversees these standards and provides guidance for teachers throughout their careers.

Teachers holding an initial teaching license must renew their certifications by fulfilling continuing education requirements and applying for renewal within five years. Pennsylvania offers the Professional Educator Records Management (PERM) system, an online platform that allows teachers to track their progress and access available courses to meet licensure and renewal requirements. Continuing education can be completed through various avenues, including accredited universities, approved continuing education credits, or in-service credits approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Popular Online Early Childhood Education Programs

If you aspire to become an early childhood educator, online colleges in Pennsylvania provide flexible and accessible options for pursuing your education. Let’s explore some popular online programs that can help you kickstart your career in early childhood education.

Becoming a Teacher

One of the most direct pathways to becoming an early childhood education (ECE) teacher in Pennsylvania is to complete a state-approved teacher preparation program at an accredited college or university.

Licensure and Certification

Obtaining licensure and certification is a crucial step for aspiring early childhood education teachers. Pennsylvania requires candidates to complete a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, successful practice teaching experience, and pass specific assessments. The Pre-service Academic Performance Assessment (PAPA) and the Praxis series are among the examinations that candidates must pass to demonstrate their knowledge and competence.

Career Opportunities and Salaries

Graduates of early childhood education programs in Pennsylvania can pursue various career paths. Some of the popular options include:

• Preschool Teacher
• Kindergarten Teacher
• Elementary School Teacher
• Special Education Teacher

Salaries for early childhood educators vary depending on the level of experience and location. Entry-level salaries range from $31,000 for preschool teachers to $44,500 for elementary school teachers. Mid-career and late-career salaries increase with experience, with potential earnings reaching $67,400 for elementary school teachers and $73,100 for school psychologists.

Steps to Become an Early Childhood Education Teacher in Pennsylvania

If you’re passionate about teaching young children and want to make a difference in their lives, follow these steps to become an early childhood education teacher in Pennsylvania:

1. Completing a State-Approved Teacher Preparation Program

The most direct path to becoming an ECE teacher in Pennsylvania is to complete a state-approved teacher preparation program at an accredited college or university. The Pennsylvania Department of Education maintains a list of approved institutions and specializations that have the authority to prepare future teachers. Ensure that the program you choose aligns with your career goals and covers the necessary subjects related to early childhood education.

2. Qualifying for Licensure Exams

To obtain licensure, aspiring teachers must pass a series of examinations. The initial educator certification in Pennsylvania requires candidates to have a completed bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, successful completion of a required practice teaching term, and passing scores on the required assessments. These assessments include the Pre-service Academic Performance Assessment (PAPA) and the Praxis series, which cover various academic skills and specific subject areas.

3. Applying for a Teaching License

Once you have completed your teacher preparation program and passed the necessary exams, you can apply for a teaching license in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Teacher Information Management System is the platform where candidates can submit their applications. As part of the application process, you will need to provide verification of your bachelor’s degree, proof of completion of an approved teacher education program, and evidence of passing test scores on all required assessments. Additionally, there are application processing fees that need to be paid.

Alternative Licensures

Pennsylvania also provides alternative pathways to teacher certification, catering to individuals who possess alternative qualifications or degrees. Here are some alternative licensure options available in Pennsylvania:

• Pennsylvania Teacher Intern Certification Program: Designed for individuals who already hold a degree, this program allows candidates to teach full-time while completing an intern education program.
• Pennsylvania Teacher Emergency Permit: In cases where a qualified candidate cannot be found for an open teaching position, a college graduate from an approved school can receive this permit, allowing them to fill the position temporarily until it can be filled permanently.
• Licenses for Teachers from Other States: Pennsylvania has reciprocity agreements that provide temporary licensure for out-of-state applicants who meet specific requirements, such as having an active teaching certification and relevant experience or a National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Credential.

Online Accredited Teaching Preparation Licensure and Certifications

Many online colleges and universities offer accredited teaching preparation programs for aspiring early childhood education teachers in Pennsylvania. These programs provide the necessary coursework, field experiences, and guidance to help students meet the state’s requirements for licensure and certification. Some reputable institutions offering online programs include:

• Lehigh University: Offers various degrees in school counseling and guidance services, curriculum and instruction, elementary education and teaching, and special education and teaching. Website
• Drexel University: Provides degrees in bilingual and multilingual education, education/teaching individuals in elementary special education programs, education/teaching individuals with autism, elementary education and teaching, and ESL teaching. Website
• Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus: Offers degrees in school counseling and guidance services, curriculum and instruction, early childhood education and teaching, elementary education and teaching, special education and teaching, and ESL teaching. Website
• University of Pennsylvania: Provides degrees in school counseling and guidance services, elementary education and teaching, reading teacher education, and ESL teaching. Website
• La Salle University: Offers degrees in education/teaching of individuals with autism, education/teaching of individuals in early elementary special education programs, reading teacher education, and special education and teaching. Website

Additional Specialization Certifications

Apart from early childhood education, Pennsylvania offers various specialization certifications for teachers who want to expand their expertise. These certifications include:

• PK-12: Teacher candidates applying for an initial instructional PK-12 certification must pass the Fundamental Subjects: Content Knowledge test and the appropriate Praxis tests for each authorized instruction area. Certification areas encompass subjects such as American Sign Language Proficiency Interview, Reading Specialist, and Technology Education.
• Special Education: Special education is often combined with early childhood education, and Pennsylvania offers specialization in areas such as hearing-impaired, education of deaf and hard-of-hearing students, teaching speech and language-impaired, speech-language pathology, and visually impaired.

To ensure the safety of students, Pennsylvania requires an extensive background investigation for teaching license applicants. This applies to both public and private school teachers, who must complete a fingerprint-based state and federal background check.

Early Childhood Education Teaching Salaries in Pennsylvania

The salaries for early childhood educators in Pennsylvania vary based on experience and position. Here are the salary ranges for different career stages:

• Preschool Teacher: Entry-Level – $31,000, Mid-Career – $34,800, Late-Career – $36,100
• Elementary School Teacher: Entry-Level – $44,500, Mid-Career – $51,400, Late-Career – $67,400
• Professor of Education: Entry-Level – $60,200, Mid-Career – $101,800, Late-Career – $102,800
• Special Education Teacher: Entry-Level – $43,200, Mid-Career – $43,700, Late-Career – $47,400
• ESL Teacher: Entry-Level – $39,300, Mid-Career – $40,400, Late-Career – $50,900
• School Psychologist: Entry-Level – $54,200, Mid-Career – $61,000, Late-Career – $73,100

Conclusion

Early childhood education in Pennsylvania is a field that offers promising opportunities for aspiring educators. The state’s commitment to providing quality education for young learners has led to increased resources and initiatives. By completing a state-approved teacher preparation program, passing licensure exams, and obtaining the necessary certification, you can embark on a fulfilling career as an early childhood education teacher. The online colleges in Pennsylvania mentioned in this article provide flexible options for pursuing your education and preparing you for a rewarding career shaping young minds.