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  1. Home
  2. Academics
  3. Bachelor's Degrees
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Elementary and Early Childhood Education

Explore Penn State Altoona's Elementary and Early Childhood Education program by clicking through the links in the menu. If you don't see the menu, click on the "Open" button on the left-hand side of your screen.

Contact the Program Coordinator to learn more

Why major in Elementary and Early Childhood Education?

Penn State Altoona's bachelor of science degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education prepares undergraduate teacher candidates to earn Pennsylvania level I certification to teach in preschool to fourth-grade public school classrooms.

The Elementary and Early Childhood Education teaching option at Penn State Altoona is designed to support the development of teachers of young learners through fourth grade. This program views education as much larger than standards or performance-based assessments and is designed from research on teaching and teacher education. At Penn State Altoona, we see teaching and learning as a collaborative process among faculty, teachers, students, parents, and communities. We seek to prepare teacher leaders and advocates, not only for children and schools but also for the profession of teaching.

As a student in this program, you will work closely with faculty leaders in teacher education and education research and experience high-quality mentoring and supervision in classroom/school field experiences. We coordinate in-depth observation and teaching experiences with our partner schools to provide you with as many hands-on experiences in PK-4 classrooms as possible during your four-year program.

Create Your Professional Identity

Penn State Altoona offers teacher candidates many opportunities to build their professional identity, develop leadership skills, and cultivate their passion and advocacy for children and schools. Students in the program will complete multiple local internships throughout different years. They will work with high-quality mentor teachers to observe teaching, apply proven methods and strategies, and collaborate with administrators and other professional colleagues.

Penn State Altoona education majors may join the college’s award-winning and nationally recognized chapter of Kappa Delta Pi (KDP), an international educational honor society, and our student PSEA group. Both groups actively engage with local children, schools, and community resource centers.

Many U.S. states and territories require professional licensure/certification to be employed. If you plan to pursue employment in a licensed profession after completing this program, please visit the Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures by State interactive map.

Elementary and Early Childhood Education

  • Request Information about Elementary and Early Childhood Education
  • Program Overview
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  • Testing Requirements
  • Instructional I Certification
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  • Field Experiences
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    • Professional Development Partnership
    • Language and Literacy Education Field Experience
    • Kappa Delta Pi
    • Student Pennsylvania State Education Association
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Out-of-Class Learning

Explore out-of-classroom academic experiences that complement in-class learning, including study abroad/study away programs, internships, undergraduate research, and community-based studies.

Find Out More

See Also

  • Objectives & Outcomes
  • Division of Education, Human Development, and Social Sciences
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Penn State Altoona

A full-service, four-year, residential campus located less than 45 miles from the research campus at University Park. Offering 21 four-year degrees and the first two years of over 275 Penn State majors.
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  • twitter
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Give Visit Apply
  • This is Penn State Altoona
    • Penn State Altoona At a Glance
    • Mission, Vision, and Values
    • Our History
    • Campus Map
    • College Leadership
    • Current Weather Conditions
    • Livestream
  • Academics
    • Majors
    • Academic Calendar
    • Out-of-Class Learning
    • Eiche Library
    • Learning Resources Center
    • Registrar
    • Academic Advising
    • Honors Program
    • Campus Closures
  • Admissions
    • Visit Us
    • Information for First-Year Students
    • How to Apply
    • Accepted Students
    • Experience Altoona
    • Virtual Tour
  • Tuition & Financial Aid
    • Scholarships and Awards
    • Grants
    • Loans
    • Work-study
    • Financial Aid Basics
    • Tuition and Costs
    • Financial Aid Information
  • Student Success
    • Center for Student and Civic Engagement
    • Health and Wellness Center
    • Student Diversity and Inclusion Programming
    • International Student Services
    • Housing
    • Parking
    • Police and Safety
    • Career Services
    • Diversity at Penn State Altoona
  • Research & Engagement
    • Undergraduate Research and Creative Inquiry
    • Faculty Research Resources
    • Community-Based Studies
    • Internships
    • Study Abroad/Study Away
    • Internal Grants and Awards
  • Athletics
    • Schedule
    • Facilities
    • Recreation and Club Sports
    • Staff and Coaches Directory
    • Athletic Training and Sports Physicals
    • Athletics News
    • Camps and Clinics
    • Hall of Fame
  • Stay Connected
    • Faculty and Staff Directory
    • Offices and Divisions
    • Campus Calendar
    • PSUAlert Text Messaging Service
    • COVID-19 Information
    • Penn State Altoona Connect
    • Penn State Student Engagement Network
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