University Headquarters (HQ) is an industry-leading, independent educational organization that provides independent college rankings using a proprietary formula to create first class, unbiased rankings. The team at University HQ strives to provide accurate and trustworthy rankings that highlight the best programs for early childhood education in Pennsylvania.

What is Early Childhood Education?


Pennsylvania ranks in the top third for early childhood education and has made significant strides to improve resources and support for early education. Inspired by neighboring states like New York and Connecticut, the Governor launched initiatives in 2017 to enhance the state's commitment to early learners and preschool teachers. If you’re considering a career as a preschool teacher in Pennsylvania, this growing focus on early childhood education presents new opportunities to make a meaningful impact on young minds.

State laws require teachers to complete a state-approved preparation course. With strong growth anticipated due to increasing educational qualifications, Pennsylvania’s Department of Education oversees teacher education, testing, and licensure standards.

In Pennsylvania, teachers with an initial teaching license must renew their certification every five years by completing required continuing education. The state’s Professional Educator Records Management System (PERMS) helps teachers track their progress and locate courses needed for licensure renewal. To maintain an active certification, preschool teachers must fulfill one of the continuing education requirements outlined during the license period. Staying up to date with these requirements is essential for ensuring continued success in your teaching career in Pennsylvania.

  • Six credits from an accredited university
  • 180 approved continuing education credits
  • Six in-service credits approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Featured Online Programs

Top Ranked Campus & Online Early Childhood Education Programs in Pennsylvania


1
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $64,772
    • Out-of-State:$64,772
  • Net Price: $38,486
  • Acceptance Rate: 32%
  • Retention Rate: 96%
  • Graduation Rate: 86%
  • Total Enrollment: 3,892
  • Undergrad Students: 3,846
  • Graduate Students: 46
  • Grads Salary: $88,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 9:1
  • Bucknell University
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2

Holy Family University

Score: 81.86

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $33,968
    • Out-of-State:$33,968
  • Net Price: $13,016
  • Acceptance Rate: 74%
  • Retention Rate: 83%
  • Graduation Rate: 60%
  • Total Enrollment: 3,148
  • Undergrad Students: 2,446
  • Graduate Students: 702
  • Grads Salary: $84,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • Holy Family University
3
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $41,720
    • Out-of-State:$41,720
  • Net Price: $27,421
  • Acceptance Rate: 77%
  • Retention Rate: 88%
  • Graduation Rate: 73%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,835
  • Undergrad Students: 2,429
  • Graduate Students: 406
  • Grads Salary: $79,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • Saint Francis University
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4

DeSales University

Score: 74.34

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $44,800
    • Out-of-State:$44,800
  • Net Price: $30,524
  • Acceptance Rate: 79%
  • Retention Rate: 81%
  • Graduation Rate: 71%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,919
  • Undergrad Students: 2,149
  • Graduate Students: 770
  • Grads Salary: $79,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • DeSales University
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5

Saint Vincent College

Score: 73.99

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $41,100
    • Out-of-State:$41,100
  • Net Price: $23,857
  • Acceptance Rate: 59%
  • Retention Rate: 85%
  • Graduation Rate: 72%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,442
  • Undergrad Students: 1,280
  • Graduate Students: 162
  • Grads Salary: $66,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 10:1
  • Saint Vincent College
6
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $36,842
    • Out-of-State:$36,842
  • Net Price: $27,019
  • Acceptance Rate: 77%
  • Retention Rate: 84%
  • Graduation Rate: 77%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,152
  • Undergrad Students: 1,857
  • Graduate Students: 295
  • Grads Salary: $70,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • Elizabethtown College
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7
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $57,400
    • Out-of-State:$57,400
  • Net Price: $27,258
  • Acceptance Rate: 79%
  • Retention Rate: 73%
  • Graduation Rate: 74%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,247
  • Undergrad Students: 2,241
  • Graduate Students: 6
  • Grads Salary: $73,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Susquehanna University
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8

Cedar Crest College

Score: 71.9

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $44,934
    • Out-of-State:$44,934
  • Net Price: $23,036
  • Acceptance Rate: 99%
  • Retention Rate: 77%
  • Graduation Rate: 58%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,248
  • Undergrad Students: 886
  • Graduate Students: 362
  • Grads Salary: $77,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 9:1
  • Cedar Crest College
9

Lebanon Valley College

Score: 71.34

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $50,320
    • Out-of-State:$50,320
  • Net Price: $28,640
  • Acceptance Rate: 75%
  • Retention Rate: 83%
  • Graduation Rate: 73%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,142
  • Undergrad Students: 1,710
  • Graduate Students: 432
  • Grads Salary: $69,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • Lebanon Valley College
10

Marywood University

Score: 71.22

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $39,570
    • Out-of-State:$39,570
  • Net Price: $24,712
  • Acceptance Rate: 84%
  • Retention Rate: 85%
  • Graduation Rate: 73%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,850
  • Undergrad Students: 1,874
  • Graduate Students: 976
  • Grads Salary: $65,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • Marywood University
11
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $47,146
    • Out-of-State:$47,146
  • Net Price: $35,125
  • Acceptance Rate: 79%
  • Retention Rate: 86%
  • Graduation Rate: 76%
  • Total Enrollment: 8,137
  • Undergrad Students: 5,226
  • Graduate Students: 2,911
  • Grads Salary: $73,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • Duquesne University
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12

Carlow University

Score: 70.61

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $34,502
    • Out-of-State:$34,502
  • Net Price: $20,561
  • Acceptance Rate: 87%
  • Retention Rate: 78%
  • Graduation Rate: 55%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,310
  • Undergrad Students: 1,344
  • Graduate Students: 966
  • Grads Salary: $74,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • Carlow University
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13

Misericordia University

Score: 70.13

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $38,370
    • Out-of-State:$38,370
  • Net Price: $25,090
  • Acceptance Rate: 85%
  • Retention Rate: 80%
  • Graduation Rate: 69%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,107
  • Undergrad Students: 1,670
  • Graduate Students: 437
  • Grads Salary: $66,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 10:1
  • Misericordia University
14
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $10,507
    • Out-of-State:$14,615
  • Net Price: $18,407
  • Acceptance Rate: 75%
  • Retention Rate: 81%
  • Graduation Rate: 66%
  • Total Enrollment: 8,350
  • Undergrad Students: 6,803
  • Graduate Students: 1,547
  • Grads Salary: $65,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 20:1
  • Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
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15
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $10,687
    • Out-of-State:$22,511
  • Net Price: $21,684
  • Acceptance Rate: 79%
  • Retention Rate: 84%
  • Graduation Rate: 70%
  • Total Enrollment: 17,076
  • Undergrad Students: 14,344
  • Graduate Students: 2,732
  • Grads Salary: $65,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 20:1
  • West Chester University of Pennsylvania
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16

Lock Haven University

Score: 68.35

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $10,878
    • Out-of-State:$20,702
  • Net Price: $15,947
  • Acceptance Rate: 95%
  • Retention Rate: 69%
  • Graduation Rate: 54%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,920
  • Undergrad Students: 2,466
  • Graduate Students: 454
  • Grads Salary: $71,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Lock Haven University
17

University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown

Score: 68.22

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $14,646
    • Out-of-State:$26,520
  • Net Price: $17,909
  • Acceptance Rate: 96%
  • Retention Rate: 76%
  • Graduation Rate: 53%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,940
  • Undergrad Students: 1,940
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $71,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown
18
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $42,286
    • Out-of-State:$42,286
  • Net Price: $28,508
  • Acceptance Rate: 91%
  • Retention Rate: 73%
  • Graduation Rate: 60%
  • Total Enrollment: 5,198
  • Undergrad Students: 1,956
  • Graduate Students: 3,242
  • Grads Salary: $76,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Wilkes University
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19

Alvernia University

Score: 67.1

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $42,810
    • Out-of-State:$42,810
  • Net Price: $26,166
  • Acceptance Rate: 62%
  • Retention Rate: 73%
  • Graduation Rate: 58%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,485
  • Undergrad Students: 2,050
  • Graduate Students: 435
  • Grads Salary: $67,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • Alvernia University
20

Eastern University

Score: 65.91

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $37,420
    • Out-of-State:$37,420
  • Net Price: $21,900
  • Acceptance Rate: 94%
  • Retention Rate: 71%
  • Graduation Rate: 56%
  • Total Enrollment: 6,981
  • Undergrad Students: 2,068
  • Graduate Students: 4,913
  • Grads Salary: $73,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 19:1
  • Eastern University
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21

Mount Aloysius College

Score: 65.4

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $26,156
    • Out-of-State:$26,156
  • Net Price: $20,570
  • Acceptance Rate: 90%
  • Retention Rate: 71%
  • Graduation Rate: 56%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,967
  • Undergrad Students: 2,942
  • Graduate Students: 25
  • Grads Salary: $64,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • Mount Aloysius College
22

Albright College

Score: 64.96

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $28,794
    • Out-of-State:$28,794
  • Net Price: $22,116
  • Acceptance Rate: 86%
  • Retention Rate: 63%
  • Graduation Rate: 42%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,652
  • Undergrad Students: 1,328
  • Graduate Students: 324
  • Grads Salary: $73,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 10:1
  • Albright College
23
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $44,510
    • Out-of-State:$44,510
  • Net Price: $26,962
  • Acceptance Rate: 83%
  • Retention Rate: 78%
  • Graduation Rate: 59%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,668
  • Undergrad Students: 2,292
  • Graduate Students: 376
  • Grads Salary: $67,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • Mercyhurst University
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24

University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg

Score: 64.76

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $14,630
    • Out-of-State:$26,504
  • Net Price: $17,196
  • Acceptance Rate: 98%
  • Retention Rate: 68%
  • Graduation Rate: 40%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,326
  • Undergrad Students: 1,326
  • Graduate Students: N/A
  • Grads Salary: $74,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 15:1
  • University of Pittsburgh-Greensburg
25
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $13,544
    • Out-of-State:$15,798
  • Net Price: $23,344
  • Acceptance Rate: 86%
  • Retention Rate: 76%
  • Graduation Rate: 52%
  • Total Enrollment: 5,184
  • Undergrad Students: 4,421
  • Graduate Students: 763
  • Grads Salary: $71,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania
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Steps to Become an Early Childhood Education Teacher in Pennsylvania


The most direct way to become an ECE teacher in Pennsylvania is to complete a state-approved preparation program at an accredited college or university. The Department of Education maintains a list of approved schools, specializations, and teacher preparation authority. Students must also qualify for the required licensure examinations.

Pennsylvania aims to give every child a strong start in learning, recognizing that the years between birth and age eight are crucial for lifelong achievement. The demand for early childhood education in the state is growing as parents and advocates work to improve access, creating strong prospects for early childhood educators.

Step 1. Earn Your Degree


Students must complete coursework in good academic standing and earn a recommendation from the degree-issuing institution for licensure in one or more fields of teaching. Typically, schools require a minimum grade point average in core courses to grant a recommendation for licensure.

Though you could earn a degree in a related field, if you want to work with children it’s probably best to earn your degree in early childhood education, or at least make sure that you take a significant number of courses covering development, literacy, learning through play, etc. You will be eligible for licensure as a preschool teacher if you have completed at least 24 semester credits covering these subjects.

Additionally, make certain that your program is an approved teacher preparation program that culminates in the degree. If you earn the degree, but haven’t been through a preparation program, you will not be ready to take your exams and earn licensure.

National Online Rankings - Best Early Childhood Online Programs National Online Rankings - Best Early Childhood Online Masters

Step 2. Pass Your Exam


The initial educator certification in the State of Pennsylvania requires a completed bachelor’s degree from an accredited, state-approved, successful completion of a required practice teaching term.

The requirements include the Pre-service Academic Performance Assessment (PAPA).. The second battery of tests is part of the PRAXIS series. Teacher candidates must pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators modules including reading, mathematics, and writing. The next series of Praxis tests are the Praxis Subject Assessments. Teacher candidates must take and pass tests in each area that they intend to teach. The final part of the testing series is the pedagogy examinations which must be matched to the grade-levels that the candidate wants to teach.

Step 3. Apply for Your License


Once teacher candidates have completed their teacher preparation program, required tests, and background investigation, they can submit an application through the Pennsylvania Teacher Information Management System. The candidates must provide the below-listed documentation.

  • Verification of a bachelor’s degree with strong academic achievement
  • Proof of completion of an approved teacher education program
  • Proof of passing test scores on all required competence and assessment exams
  • Payment for application processing fees

Popular Career Choices

  • Preschool Teacher
  • Kindergarten Teacher
  • Elementary School Teacher
  • Special Education Teacher
Learn more about education resources and scholarships Learn about your options to pay for college

Online Accredited Teaching Preparation Licensure and Certifications


Teachers can be certified in multiple subjects, age, grade level, and subjects. Special education is an area of frequent combination with Early Childhood Education. Teachers may also combine Talented and Gifted instruction with Early Childhood certifications.

Find Online Early Childhood Education Schools

Alternative Licensures

Alternative certification supports several methods for teacher certification and four types of licenses.

  • The Pennsylvania Temporary Teaching Permit/ABCTE Passport to Teaching - This permit can authorize teacher candidates with an education degree to teach. However, they must then earn the Passport to Teaching credential from ABCTE.
  • The Pennsylvania Teacher Intern Certification Program - This certification also works for those who already have a degree. They must complete an intern education program but this certification allows them to teach full-time as they do.
  • Pennsylvania Teacher Emergency Permit - If there is an open teaching position, but a qualified candidate cannot be found to fill the role, a college graduate from an approved school can receive this permit, allowing them to fill the position for no more than one year or until the position can be filled with a full-time educator. If they complete their licensure requirements in this time, they can be hired on full-time themselves.
  • Licenses for Teachers from Other States - Reciprocity agreements can provide temporary licensure for applicants from out-of-state who qualify. The applicant must have either an active teaching certification and 2 years of experience or a National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Credential.

Alternative Certification

In some cases, Pennsylvania accepts teachers that have not completed an approved teacher preparation program. This allows teachers that did not come through the traditional system of teacher preparation programs to gain certification and licensure. The alternative licensure accepts teachers with various alternative types of qualifications but is intended for those who have a degree without the accompanying preparation program completed.

Candidates for certification still need a degree and they must complete a teacher prep program and the same exams as traditional-path educators. They can do this by completing the Pre-service Academic Performance Assessment (PAPA) prior to entering a preparation program, earning a master’s instead of a bachelor’s degree while taking their preparation courses, and then taking the necessary tests after they complete their degree.

Potential Careers and Salaries for Graduates


  • Public Schools
    in Pennsylvania employ early childhood teachers that have completed a teacher preparation program and obtained a teaching license. The licensure requirements include a detailed background check pursuant to Pennsylvania Statute 153.
  • Private Childcare
    employers provide a substantial amount of employment for early childhood education. Private childcare often competes with other private providers and some public programs. The trend in private childcare is to require candidates to have a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or higher levels of achievement.
  • Private Schools
    provide early childhood education, many schools serve families with children at toddler ages through the early elementary school years. The schools must compete with public schools that require teachers with state licenses, thorough background checks, and continuing education. Private schools often seek the same or higher levels of qualifications and experience.
  • Head Start Programs
    are major employers of early childhood educators, preschool teachers, and teacher assistants. Head Start programs are federal and state government-sponsored education programs that focus on families that demonstrate financial limitations that could prevent participation in early childhood education. Head Start plays an essential role in providing opportunities for vulnerable population groups.
  • Community-Based Programs
    offer childcare and early childhood education services. These community-based institutions often offer no-cost or low-cost services to families in need. The community basis offers opportunities to form strong relationships between the organization, the students, and the student’s families.
  • Faith-Based Programs
    can use their own standards for hiring teachers. If they wish to become licensed, then they have to meet state requirements for private licensed schools. These requirements usually include bachelor’s degrees and licensure for teachers.
  • Military Programs
    seek to provide the best early childhood education services for children of military families. Military child education and childcare programs follow the national trend towards requiring bachelor’s degrees in early childhood education or higher levels of certification, study, and academic achievement.

Salaries

 
Occupation Entry-Level Mid-Career Late-Career
Preschool Teacher $31,000 $34,800 $36,100
Elementary School Teacher $44,500 $51,400 $67,400
Professor of Education $60,200 $101,800 $102,800
Special Education Teacher $43,200 $43,700 $47,400
ESL Teacher $39,300 $40,400 $50,900
School Psychologist $54,200 $61,000 $73,100

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