Student teaching through the York College education program

Early Elementary Education

Early elementary teachers shape the future. Our bachelor of science in Early Elementary Education prepares you to do just that, guided by professors who teach the way you want to teach: with knowledge and compassion.

The skills students learn in early childhood are critical for success in elementary school — and teachers play an essential role during this time of growth and exploration. York College’s Early Elementary Education program (EEE) gives future teachers like you the tools needed to lead your own classroom.

As an Early Elementary Education major, you’ll learn about cognitive, social, emotional, language, and literacy development in children from birth to age 9. You’ll learn strategies to support a wide range of students, including children with special needs and English language learners (ELLs). And through it all, you’ll be guided by faculty with real-world experience in K-12 classrooms.

York College students get field experience early in the program. Plus, you’ll end your final semester with student teaching. By the time you graduate, you’ll have planned and taught lessons, managed classrooms, and made lasting connections with potential employers. You’ll also be prepared for licensure in pre-K through grade 4. 

A professor shows a student how to use children's educational toys in the elementary classroom

Majoring in Early Elementary Education

  • Key Courses

    Early Elementary Education Courses

    Prepare to teach young children through a mix of required courses and electives. Your EEE courses will include: 

    • ECH 210: Educational Technology for Early Elementary Learning
    • ECH 220: Instruction and Curriculum Development
    • SPE 200: Special Education Processes and Procedure
    • EDU 225: Instructional Needs of English Language Learners
    • ECH 230: Early Childhood Theory and Practice
    • ECH 301: Literacy and Language for Young Children
    • ECH 311: Advanced Field Experience

    4+1 Graduate Degree Opportunities

    As a major in Early Elementary Education, you may also choose to pursue a 4+1 program during your time at York College. This option allows you to complete both a B.S. in Early Childhood Education and an M.Ed. in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in as few as five years.

  • Career Opportunities & Benefits

    Careers in Elementary Education

    Looking for a teaching career? Through this degree program, you'll prepare to get your teaching license for pre-K through fourth grade. You'll also be able to pursue your master's degree.

    Early elementary education jobs include:

    • Elementary School Teacher
    • Preschool Teacher
    • Daycare Teacher
    • Nonprofit Program Director
    • Education Advisor for a Government Agency (e.g. Department of Education

    Elementary Education Salary

    How much will you earn? The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that kindergarten and elementary school teachers earn an average of $60,660 per year. These teachers generally work with children during school hours. Most do not work during the summer.

    Benefits of an Early Elementary Education Degree

    Early childhood education is a field with plenty of growth potential. According to the BLS, demand for kindergarten and elementary teachers is expected to increase over the next decade as enrollment increases and many current teachers reach retirement age. 

    In addition to job security and emotionally rewarding work, early childhood educators tend to enjoy a good work-life balance, with frequent holidays and summer breaks.

    No matter which career path you choose, York College will help you to excel before, during and after your job search.

  • Internships & Work Experience

    Internships & Work Experience

    Field experiences in York College’s Early Elementary Education program work a little differently than what you’ll find at other colleges. Our majors get dedicated course time for visiting their schools, and field experiences will not interfere with other education courses. 

    YCP students are placed into classrooms in York, Adams, and Cumberland County school districts to gain practical teaching experience as they progress through the program. Students also engage in a semester-long student teaching experience in their final year, under the supervision of a cooperating teacher and a college supervisor. 

    As you plan your schedule of on-campus classes and field experiences, you’ll be advised by your own faculty members in the Education Department — not a centralized advising office removed from the major — so you’ll receive guidance focused on both fulfilling degree requirements and nurturing your growth as an educator.

  • Mentorship & Community

    Mentorship & Community

    Students in the Early Elementary Education program have the opportunity to work side-by-side with faculty on joint research projects, and may even serve as research assistants. 

    Twice per year, the Education Department also hosts children and families from the York Area Down Syndrome Association (YADSA) on campus. Students from several education classes get hands-on experience as they engage the children in learning activities and spend time getting to know these young members of our community.

    Student organizations offer additional opportunities for education majors who want to get involved. Many EEE students take part in the Student Education Association (SEA), Kappa Delta Pi Education Honor Society, and/or the Education Ambassadors program.

  • High-Demand Skills

    Early Elementary Education Skills

    Our bachelor of science in Early Elementary Education helps students build skills in: 

    • Cognitive, social, and emotional development of young children
    • Language and literacy development of children from birth through age 9
    • Teaching methods
    • Addressing students with special needs
    • Strategies for English Language Learners

    EEE Minors

    Students who pursue a degree in Early Elementary Education often choose complementary minors or secondary degrees. These may include:

  • Accreditation & Professional Recognition

    An Accredited Early Elementary Education Degree

    York College is fully accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, which accredits schools and colleges in the Middle States region. This includes Delaware, DC, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Accreditation by one of the six regional accrediting associations in the United States indicates that the school or college has been carefully evaluated and found to meet standards agreed upon by qualified educators.

Contact Us
Education Department
Kimberly Sutton
Chair of Education Department
Appell Life Sciences, 135
Phone: 717.815.1424
ksutton1@ycp.edu