Early Childhood Education

Degree: B.S.E.

The Early Childhood Education program at Millersville University is dedicated to providing exemplary programs for undergraduate students in education, connecting content and pedagogy with authentic experiences in diverse school settings and upholding high standards for professional and civic conduct.

Why Study This Program?

The Early Childhood Education program at Millersville University prepares students to teach pre-kindergarten to grade 4. This program features unique learning opportunities including:

  • Extensive and diverse field experiences working with children with exceptionalities throughout the entire range of the program.
  • Two distinct professional strands that focus on the needs of students with either low incidence or high incidence exceptionalities
  • An inclusive department in which professors in Early Childhood and Special Education model best practices in consultation, collaboration and co-teaching.

Teacher candidates develop solid content knowledge and skills in educational assessment, lesson planning and instructional delivery. They learn how to work with children of all abilities and backgrounds. Graduates of this program are prepared for careers as lead teachers in early learning centers, kindergartens and grades 1–4 in urban, suburban and rural communities. 

What Will You Learn?

Students within this program complete 15 credit hours in the Professional Core, 12 credit hours in student teaching, 45 credit hours in research-based methods of instruction with young children and 48 credit hours in related coursework. This program can be completed in eight (8) semesters and will prepare teacher candidates to use research-based methods of instruction with young children. 

In addition to general courses and student-teaching, there are many internships available for students. Popular internships are through Aaron’s Acres and Behavior by Design, and offers firsthand experience with individuals with severe and multiple disabilities. Aaron’s Acres is a nonprofit organization that provides year-round recreational programs to children and young adults, ages 5-21, with developmental disabilities. Behavior by Design (BxD) is an organization that provides direct care and behavioral training for individuals with autism and similar exceptionalities.

The Professional Development School (PDS) also permits teacher candidates, upon completion of a successful application process, to work in the same classroom the semester before student teaching and during student teaching. Teacher candidates are trained in the “co-teaching” model of instruction and learn to collaborate with professionals in the school. Principals say these candidates interview for their first teaching position like they have “completed” their first year of teaching.