Elementary/Early Childhood Education
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Cairn’s Elementary/Early Childhood program prepares teacher candidates for the profession of teaching Pre-kindergarten through 4th grade (5th and 6th may be added) in public, private, Christian, and international schools. The PK-4 program focuses on preparing you 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 Study 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-8th; certification in Special Education PK-8 and/or TESOL K-12 may be added on to the PK-4 program.
Why Study Elementary/Early Childhood Education at Cairn?
- Introduction to education theory and methods courses in the freshman rather than junior year
- Professors with extensive backgrounds in classroom teaching and student teacher supervision
- Integration of special education, English as a Second Language, and differentiation practices throughout the course of study
- Modeling of current instructional and assessment practices with manipulatives and technology in a simulated early childhood /elementary classroom
- Opportunities to teach or tutor students in one-on-one, local school, and international contexts throughout your program of study
Career Paths
- preschool teacher
- elementary school teacher
- teacher’s assistant
- special education teacher
- learning support teacher