Elementary/Early Childhood Education (PK–4)

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.

Why Elementary/Early Childhood at Cairn?

• Earn a BS in Education and a BS in Bible for an additional 24 credits.
• 5th and 6th grade certification may be added.
• Join the Honors Program and dive deeper into a personal academic interest.
• 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.
• Learn from professors with extensive backgrounds in classroom teaching and student teacher supervision.
• Complete a Student Teaching assignments in multiple school settings related to your career goals (public or private, suburban or urban).

Career Paths

• Preschool teacher
• Elementary school teacher
• Teacher’s assistant
• Special education teacher
• Learning support teacher
• ESL specialist