Early Childhood-Elementary Education: Transfer Associate

Early Childhood-Elementary Education: Transfer Associate at Harrisburg Area Community College is designed to prepare students for a seamless transition into four-year institutions to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Education. This program provides a comprehensive foundation in the principles and practices essential for teaching young children, focusing on early childhood development, classroom management, educational psychology, and curriculum design. Students will gain hands-on experience through fieldwork and practicum placements, enabling them to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. The curriculum emphasizes both academic excellence and practical skills, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for further academic pursuits and future careers in education. The program also covers the diverse needs of learners, inclusive education strategies, and the integration of technology in teaching. Students who complete the Associate Degree will be eligible to transfer to partner universities with credits that count toward their bachelor's degree, making their transition into higher education smoother and more cost-effective. This transfer pathway supports career ambitions in teaching at the elementary and early childhood levels, as well as roles in educational administration, curriculum development, and community education programs. Harrisburg Area Community College's Early Childhood-Elementary Education program is committed to fostering a deep understanding of child development theories and educational practices, nurturing future educators dedicated to making a positive impact in their communities. With small class sizes, experienced faculty, and dedicated support services, students receive personalized guidance to succeed academically and professionally. Graduates from this program will be well-prepared for the challenges of a dynamic educational environment and motivated to continue their studies at university level to achieve their career goals in the field of education.

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  3 
**Core B Elective  3 
Core C Elective (MATH 113)  3 
Core C Elective (MATH 114)  3 
***Core C Elective  3 
****General Education Transfer Elective  3 
Physical Education & Wellness  1 

Major Requirements   
EDUC 110 The Education Professional  3 
EDUC 120 Observation & Assessment of Young Children  3 
EDUC 140 Integrating the Arts & Play as Educative Process  3 
EDUC 180 Diversity & Partnerships in Family, Schools and Community (D)  3 
EDUC 210 Exceptional Learners  3 
EDUC 220 Mathematics for the Young Learner  3 
EDUC 260 Social Studies for the Young Learner  3 
EDUC 261 Integrating Curriculum in Early Childhood Class  3 
EDUC 270 Foundations of Early Literacy  3 
EDUC 290 Introduction to Classroom Teaching  3 
PSYC 212 Child Growth and Development  3 

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

Early Childhood-Elementary Education: Transfer Associate at Harrisburg Area Community College is designed to prepare students for seamless transition into four-year institutions to complete a bachelor's degree in education. This program emphasizes foundational knowledge in child development, educational psychology, and instructional strategies suitable for young children in both early childhood and elementary settings. Students engage in coursework that covers topics such as child growth and development, learning assessments, classroom management, and inclusive education practices. The curriculum also integrates practical field experiences, allowing students to observe and participate in real classroom settings, fostering essential teaching skills and understanding of diverse student needs.

The transfer associate program aims to equip students with the academic and practical skills necessary for continued education at universities that offer bachelor's degrees in education, with a focus on early childhood and elementary education. Harrisburg Area Community College collaborates with several four-year institutions to facilitate credit transfer, ensuring students can progress toward their bachelor's degree without loss of credits and with a clear pathway. The program also emphasizes the development of critical thinking, communication, and organizational skills, which are essential for effective teaching.

Students enrolled in this transfer associate program are encouraged to explore various specialization areas, including special education, literacy, and curriculum development, as they prepare for careers in teaching, educational administration, or other roles within the education sector. Upon completion, graduates typically transfer to partner universities to pursue their bachelor's degree, where they can further specialize and gain additional certifications required for teaching licensure. The program is tailored to meet the educational standards and needs of students aiming to work with young children in diverse settings, including public schools, private preschools, and community programs.

Harrisburg Area Community College also supports students with academic advising, tutoring, and transfer counseling services to ensure a smooth transition from the associate degree to a bachelor's program. Overall, the Early Childhood-Elementary Education: Transfer Associate is an excellent foundational pathway for individuals committed to making a positive impact on young learners through a comprehensive and supportive academic program.