Early Level Education PreK-4 - BS
Our program will prepare you to teach your own classroom of youngsters.
Why study early level education at Pitt-Bradford?
You’ll be surrounded by energetic and available professors, caring staff members and engaged fellow education students who will all support you and help you succeed.
You’ll also get experience in schools as soon as your first semester in the program, which will help you build your confidence and communication skills. You’ll work alongside seasoned professional teachers, who will mentor and guide you as you learn how to create your own classroom curriculum and activities.
When you graduate, you will have the skills you need to lead your own classroom. And you’ll be prepared to pass your teacher certification tests in early level pre-kindergarten through grade four.
What will I learn?
You’ll start by observing teachers in action. Then you’ll assist teachers with various tasks and lessons. During the next step, you’ll start writing lesson plans and teaching those lessons in the classroom. All of this will prepare you for student teaching.
What can I do with a degree in early level education?
When you graduate, you'll be prepared to earn your teacher certification. Most of the students in our program seek teacher certification in Pennsylvania or New York.
Employers:
- Public schools
- Private schools
- Charter schools
- Community colleges
- Magnet schools
- Early childhood care centers
- Public service organizations
- Business training centers
- Libraries
Growing up in the Bradford community, Gretchen Henneman always had a strong passion for her local community and always envisioned herself on the Pitt-Bradford campus.
Cole Palmer, a 2024 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh-Bradford, credits his education for shaping his dual career as a Kindergarten Teacher and Marching Band Director.
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EDUC 0225
The Developing Child: Birth-primary YearsIn this class, students will examine theoretical perspectives and research findings that provide insights into the course of child development. The course will cover conception and fetal development, infancy and early childhood. Discussions will focus on several domains of human development including physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional development. -
EDUC 0255
Readings In Children's LiteratureThis course is an introduction to literature for children. Students will learn guidelines for evaluating literature for children, study the history and current state of literature for children, and review various genres of literature for children. Required reading includes classics of children's literature, award winners, and other books of current value and interest. This course includes a field component.
More to know
You will need to formally apply to be admitted to the teacher certification program after you complete 48 credits. Admission to the program does not guarantee certification but our program is designed to help teacher candidates meet the Pennsylvania Department of Education teacher certification requirements.
Requirements for admission include successfully passing the appropriate basic skills assessments, maintaining a 3.0 overall GPA, and receiving no lower than a C- in any course required in the major. You will need to submit three letters of recommendation and a Career Goals Statement.
Program Related News
Pitt-Bradford named a College of Distinction for 10th year
Campus receives separate recognitions for business, education, nursing and more.
Chitiyo publishes book for African educators
Dr. Jonathan Chitiyo, associate professor of education at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, has published a new book about teaching children with special needs in Africa.
Gaskew receives award for engaged scholarship
Other faculty publish on history, environmental science and more.