Early Childhood Care and Education

Early Childhood Care and Education at Harrisburg Area Community College is a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for rewarding careers in the field of early childhood development. This program provides students with foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary for working effectively with young children from infancy through early elementary years. Through a blend of coursework, hands-on experiences, and internships, learners develop an understanding of child growth and development, age-appropriate teaching strategies, and the importance of nurturing environments in fostering early learning. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including child psychology, curriculum planning, health and safety, and family engagement, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to support the diverse needs of children and families. The program emphasizes the importance of creating inclusive, stimulating, and supportive classroom environments that promote developmental milestones and learning outcomes. Students also explore current trends and best practices in early childhood education, gaining insights into early education policies, ethics, and professional responsibilities. With state-of-the-art facilities and experienced instructors, Harrisburg Area Community College offers a supportive learning environment that encourages critical thinking and innovative teaching methods. Upon completion of the program, graduates are qualified for various roles such as preschool teachers, childcare providers, and early childhood program assistants, and are prepared to pursue further studies or certifications in the field. By choosing this program, students invest in their future to make a positive impact on the lives of young children and contribute to their early developmental success.

General Education   
ENGL 101 English Composition I  3 
   Major Requirements   
EDUC 111 Fundamentals of Early Childhood Care & Education  3 
EDUC 120 Observation & Assessment of the Young Child  3 
EDUC 135 Health, Safety & Nutrition in ECE  3 
EDUC 140 Integrating the Arts & Play as Educative Process  3 
EDUC 145 Infant & Toddler Care & Education  3 
EDUC 185 Development & Behavior in Children  3 
EDUC 211 Early Intervention: Exceptional Children  3 
EDUC 261 Integrating Curriculum in Early Childhood Class  3 
*Electives  6 

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

Know and understand 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

Know about, support and involve families and communities in their children’s development and learning

Uphold 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 and professional achievement through the course of the Early Care and Education certificate from entry point class to job search

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 Childhood Care and Education program at Harrisburg Area Community College is designed to prepare students for a career in early childhood education, focusing on the development and learning of young children from birth through age eight. The program provides a comprehensive curriculum that covers essential aspects of child development, educational psychology, curriculum design, and classroom management. Students gain practical experience through internships and supervised fieldwork in licensed daycare centers and preschools, enabling them to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. The coursework emphasizes the importance of creating nurturing, safe, and stimulating environments that promote the physical, emotional, social, and cognitive growth of children.

HACC's program aims to equip future educators with the skills necessary to support diverse learning needs, integrate inclusive practices, and adhere to state and federal regulations concerning early childhood education. Graduates are prepared for roles such as preschool teacher, childcare center director, or family childcare provider. The program often collaborates with local community organizations to enhance student learning and employment opportunities. Additionally, students are encouraged to pursue certifications such as CPR and first aid, which are essential for working safely with young children.

The program emphasizes the importance of ongoing professional development and lifelong learning in the field of early childhood education. Graduates from HACC are often well-positioned to transfer to bachelor’s degree programs in education or related fields, further advancing their careers. The college also offers resources such as student support services, online courses, and faculty mentorship to ensure student success.

Overall, Harrisburg Area Community College’s Early Childhood Care and Education program is committed to preparing competent, compassionate, and knowledgeable professionals dedicated to shaping the future of young children through quality early childhood education practices.