Undergraduate Major
Early Childhood Education Bachelor of Arts with Grades PK-4 Certification
91°µÍøâ€™s Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education with Grades PK-4 Certification prepares teachers for preschool through Grade 4 in public and private educational institutions. The program is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
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.
Program Overview
Experiential Learning
Field experiences, an integral part of the teacher preparation programs, include course-embedded fieldwork, pre-student teaching and student teaching.
Job Prospects
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.
Program graduates teach in preschool through Grade 4 in public and private educational institutions.
Employment Data
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for elementary school teachers, except special education was $63,970 in May 2025. The median annual wage for kindergarten teachers, except special education was $62,680 in May 2025. Despite limited employment growth, about 99,400 openings for kindergarten and elementary school teachers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Career Support
91°µÍø's Office of Career Development supports students and alumni in job searches and career planning. Its services include individual career advising; résumé, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile reviews; interview preparation and practice; access to career information as well as internship and job opportunities; career fairs and networking connections; and graduate school application support.
- Application Instructions
Through a rolling admission process, prospective undergraduate students — including first-year, transfer, and international students — may apply via the or . To learn more about how to complete your application, please visit our application page.
- Financing Your Education
There are options to assist in financing your education and making the tuition affordable. Visit our Student Financial Services page for a detailed overview of the process, including a link to complete the FAFSA application, as well as more information about tuition, the tuition payment plan and the tuition deferment program we offer. 91°µÍøâ€™s Title IV code for the FAFSA is 003233. The Office of Student Financial Services is available to help with any questions you may have. Call 610-796-8201 or email sfs@alvernia.edu.
- 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.
- Program Requirements
Academic Performance
- Maintain a cumulative GPA 3.0 or better
- Earn Grade C or better in the required general education and professional education courses|
Field Experience
Maintain regulatory compliance for the educators' field experiences including:
- PA Criminal Record Check (Act 34) PA Child Abuse History Clearance (Act 151)
- FBI Clearance (Act 114)
- University Health Requirements
- TB Screening
- Certificate of completion the training Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse: Mandated and Permissive Reporting in Pennsylvania (Act 31)
- Liability waiver
Read about the requirements for education field experiences.
Teacher Candidacy
Teacher candidacy signifies a formal admission to the teacher preparation program. Achieving a teacher candidacy status is required for taking the upper division education courses, pre-student teaching, and student teaching. Students must apply by the end of their sophomore year. Mid-degree transfer students must apply by the second semester of their studies at 91°µÍø. The achieve a teacher candidacy status, a student must satisfy the following requirements:
- Earn minimum of 48 credits including 6 credits of math, 3 - English composition, and 3 - American/British literature with earned Grade C or better
- Maintain a cumulative GPA 3.0 or better
- Maintain regulatory compliance for the educators' field experiences
- Apply for teacher candidacy and receive an approval from their education faculty advisor and the Education Department Chair
Student Teaching
Student teaching occurs during the last semester in the program and includes two 14-week placements in PK-4 classrooms. To be admitted to student teaching, a student must satisfy the following requirements:
- Complete the required general core and professional education courses except ED 470 & ED 472 with Grade C or better
- Maintain a cumulative GPA 3.0 or better
- Maintain regulatory compliance for the educators' field experiences
Read about:
- Accreditation Statements
- The Grades PK-4 teacher preparation program is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
- 91°µÍø is an accredited institution and a member of the . MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
Get To Know Your Faculty
For more information about 91°µÍøâ€™s Adult Education Early Childhood Education program, contact the Admissions Office at 610-796-8269 or admissions@alvernia.edu.
Molly Brobst R. Ed.D.
Elena Lawrick Ph.D.
Chrystine Mitchell Ph.D.
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