Elementary/Early Childhood Education (PK–4) (BS)
Prepare to structure developmentally appropriate learning experiences in an inclusive, supportive environment that fosters the integrated development of the whole person—mind, heart and soul.
Why Elementary/Early Childhood Education?
The PK–4 program curriculum is designed to develop critical and creative thinking, reflection on practice, and the disposition to engage children actively in their own learning. The curriculum includes three integrated components: a body of general studies to develop a depth in background knowledge; education courses to align learning theory, curricular design and subject-specific methodology practices; and performance-based school placements for applied, contextual practice. Certification includes PA State PK–4 Instructional I as well as Association of Christian Schools International K–8; certification in Special Education PK–12 and/or TESOL PK–12 may be added on to the PK–4 program.
Elementary/Early Childhood at Cairn
Academic Opportunity
Earn a BS in Education and a BS in Bible for an additional 24 credits.
Experienced Faculty
Learn from professors with extensive backgrounds in classroom teaching and student teacher supervision.
Career Preparation
Complete classroom observations from the first semester. Explore education theory and methods courses in the freshman and sophomore years rather than later in the program.
Personalized Education
5th and 6th grade certification may be added.
Hands-On Education
Complete a Student Teaching assignments in multiple school settings related to your career goals (public or private, suburban or urban).
Honor Program
Join the Honors Program and dive deeper into a personal academic interest.
more Details
Get an inside look at our Elementary/Early Childhood Education Program
There are over 70 unique programs at Cairn to choose from! Not sure if this is the best program for you? Here are some more details to help you decide.
- Required Credits: 127
- Curriculum Highlights:
- ECH 422 Dev/Diag Reading
- EDU 401 Philosophy of School Ed
- ECH 425 Assessing/Managing Behavior
- EDU 590 Professional Seminar
- EDU 402 Ed Assessment/Adapt
- EDU 593 Student Teaching
- Curriculum Highlights:
- Preschool teacher
- Elementary school teacher
- Teacher’s assistant
- Special education teacher
- Learning support teacher
- ESL specialist
Connect With Us
An Affordable Education
While the cost of a Cairn University education is competitive with similar institutions, we realize you may need financial assistance to take this journey. You are not alone. 97% of our full-time undergraduate students receive some form of financial assistance.
Meet Our Faculty
Dianne Alexander
Program Advisor, Elementary Education; Professor, School of Education
Dr. Dianne Alexander teaches teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in educational assessment, child and human development, and language arts & mathematics methods. She has over 20 years of experience in teaching at all grade levels in Christian, public, and private schools.
Amanda Barry
What Our Students Have To Say
"From real-world classroom experiences—starting your first semester of freshman year—to the professors who pour so much of themselves into you spiritually, socially, and academically, Cairn’s Early Ed. program offers so much for future educators."
