Early Care and Education: Career Associate

The Early Care and Education: Career Associate program at Harrisburg Area Community College provides students with comprehensive training and practical experience necessary to excel in early childhood education settings. This program is designed to equip aspiring professionals with the foundational knowledge and skills required to work effectively with young children, fostering their development and learning in a variety of educational and care environments. Throughout the coursework, students explore key topics such as child development, early childhood pedagogy, health and safety regulations, and family engagement strategies. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through supervised internships and practicum experiences, enabling students to apply theoretical concepts in real-world settings. Graduates of this program are prepared to pursue employment in preschools, daycare centers, Head Start programs, and other early childhood education organizations. The program aligns with state and national standards for early childhood workforce development, ensuring that graduates meet the qualification requirements for entry-level positions. By completing this associate degree, students may also be eligible to transfer credits to bachelor’s degree programs in early childhood education or related fields, further advancing their careers. Harrisburg Area Community College is committed to providing a supportive learning environment that fosters professional growth, cultural competency, and a passion for working with young children. Whether students are seeking to start their careers in early childhood education or looking to enhance their current skills, the Early Care and Education: Career Associate program offers a solid academic foundation combined with practical experience to prepare graduates for the rewarding work of nurturing and educating the next generation.

General Education   
ENGL 101 English Composition I  3 
ENGL 102 English Composition II  3 
COMM 101 Effective Speaking (or)  3 
  COMM 203 Interpersonal Communication  (3) 
Core A Elective  3 
Core B Elective (Recommend: PSYC 101)  3 
Core C Elective  3 
Free Elective  3 
Physical Education & Wellness  1 

Major Requirements   
EDUC 111 Fundamentals of Early Childhood Care & Education  3 
EDUC 120 Observation & Assessment of Young Children  3 
EDUC 135 Health, Safety & Nutrition in Early Care & Education  3 
EDUC 140 Integrating the Arts & Play as Educative Process  3 
EDUC 145 Infant & Toddler Care & Education  3 
EDUC 180 Diversity & Partnerships in Family, Schools & Community (D)  3 
EDUC 211 Early Intervention: Exceptional Children  3 
EDUC 220 Mathematics for the Young Learner  3 
EDUC 261Integrating Curriculum in Early Childhood Class  3 
EDUC 270 Foundations of Early Literacy  3 
EDUC 291 Early Care & Education Practicum  3 
EDUC 185 Development & Behavior in Children  (or)  3 
 *PSYC 212 Child Growth Development  (3) 
Program Elective  3 

In conjunction with the National Association for the Education of Young Children's (NAEYC) standards, this curriculum is designed to prepare students to:

Use the theories and principles of child development in order to promote healthy and challenging learning environments

Observe and assess children's development and document their learning in order to develop appropriate curriculum and promote positive outcomes for each child

Use content knowledge to build meaningful curriculum

Use effective strategies to implement developmentally-appropriate teaching and learning

Support and involve families and communities in their children's development and learning

Practice the national standards for professionalism and ethics, as well as participate in continuous professional growth

Use legal and ethical standards to locate professional literature in print and/or electronic format in order to make research-based decisions that inform teaching practices

Prepare and maintain an electronic portfolio that documents personal growth, as well as scholastic professional achievement, throughout the course of the teacher preparation program from entry-point class to job search

Appreciate accomplishments in the arts and sciences

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Apply for a Full-Ride Scholarship

Are you a future student and ready to apply to HACC? 
By applying to HACC, you have the opportunity to apply for a full-ride scholarship! HACC will fund two years of your education – enough to complete your associate degree.

Thanks to the support of the HACC Foundation, the College is able to offer FREE money to support future students, like you, in reaching your educational goals. Six full-ride scholarships are available – one from each of the five campuses and one through HACC’s Virtual Learning Program. 

Please note that current students are not eligible for the full-ride scholarships. However, there are more than 250 scholarships available for current students.

What should you know about the full-ride scholarship?

The scholarship covers tuition, books and fees for a full academic year. 

The scholarship will automatically renew each term for up to six consecutive terms if you maintain your eligibility.

Once you apply to the College and receive a HACC ID and email address, you may apply for the full-ride scholarship. You do not have to register for classes before applying for the scholarship.

Are you eligible?

To be eligible, you must:

Apply to HACC

Take 12-15 credits each term for no more than six consecutive terms (two years)

Live in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, Schuylkill or York county

Have a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.0

Provide a 480 SAT reading score, 21 ACT or comparable scores on the College’s placement test

Maintain a GPA of 3.0 while enrolled at HACC

Participate in at least two HACC student organizations

The Early Care and Education: Career Associate program at Harrisburg Area Community College is designed to prepare students for a variety of roles within the field of early childhood education. This program emphasizes the development of foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary for working with young children from infancy through age eight. The curriculum generally covers topics such as child development, guidance techniques, health and safety, curriculum planning, and classroom management, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to foster a safe and nurturing learning environment. Students typically engage in both classroom instruction and hands-on practicum experiences in local preschool, daycare, or early education settings, which are integral parts of the program to provide real-world experience. The associate degree offers a pathway for students to either enter the workforce directly as early childhood educators or pursue further education at a bachelor's level. Coursework often includes psychology, education principles, and family engagement strategies, supporting a holistic approach to early childhood education. The program is suitable for individuals passionate about early learning and committed to positively impacting children's developmental trajectories. Graduates of this program may find employment opportunities in licensed childcare centers, preschools, family childcare homes, and early intervention programs. The program also aims to prepare students for certification or licensing requirements mandated by state agencies for early childhood educators. Harrisburg Area Community College typically ensures that its programs adhere to current industry standards and state regulations, providing relevant and up-to-date training. The faculty involved in this program are often experienced professionals in early childhood education, committed to academic excellence and practical mentoring. Students interested in this program should have a strong interest in working with children and possess good communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills. The program duration is usually two years for full-time students completing the associate degree, with part-time options possibly available. Upon graduation, students receive an Associate of Applied Science degree, which can lead to immediate employment or further educational opportunities. Overall, the Early Care and Education: Career Associate program at Harrisburg Area Community College offers comprehensive training designed to meet the needs of the early childhood education sector, support professional growth, and foster the development of future educators dedicated to nurturing young children's growth and learning.