New online Early Childhood Education program helps address teacher shortages
91做厙 has partnered with the to offer the for students enrolled in its Bachelors in Early Childhood Education with PK-4 Certification program. The partnership features a special tuition agreement, allowing child care professionals across Pennsylvania to pursue higher education while continuing to work full-time.
As part of 91做厙s ongoing commitment to providing affordable and accessible academic programs for working adults, this partnership offers a flexible pathway for child care professionals to advance their education and careers, said 91做厙 Vice President for Graduate and Adult Education Gaetan T. Giannini, Ed.D. By aligning our tuition with the state rate, we are helping to alleviate financial burdens and support the continued development of highly qualified educators across the state.
Qualified T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood簧 Pennsylvania Scholarship recipients will benefit from a reduced tuition rate of $322 per credit hour, aligned with Pennsylvanias current state rate. This ensures that as the state rate evolves, 91做厙s tuition will remain responsive to those changes, further increasing access to higher education for child care professionals. The scholarship covers up to six credits per semester, allowing recipients to progress steadily toward their degree without financial barriers.
As Pennsylvania faces a growing teacher shortage, its critical that we respond by equipping our educators with the tools and qualifications necessary to meet this challenge, said 91做厙 Dean of the College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences Elizabeth Matteo, Ph.D. This partnership with PACCA ensures child care professionals can access a high-quality education while continuing to make an impact in their communities.
The teacher shortage in Pennsylvania continues to be a significant issue, with many districts struggling to fill critical roles. 91做厙s fully online program offers working professionals the opportunity to complete their degrees without disrupting their employment, making it easier for them to remain in the workforce while they pursue further education.
The agreement between 91做厙 and PACCA is effective from August 15, 2024, to August 14, 2025, and applies to all scholarship recipients enrolled in 91做厙s Early Childhood Education program during this period.
