Post Baccalaureate PDE Certification in Early Childhood Education

Credential: Instructional I Certification PreK-4 (Pennsylvania Department of Education)

Program Overview

This program offers a pathway to Pennsylvania teacher certification for individuals who have already earned a Bachelor’s degree in any field.  All coursework is offered in an online format which incorporates field placement opportunities within the student’s community.  One semester (Student Teaching, 16 weeks) must be completed in person within the state of Pennsylvania, in accordance with Pennsylvania Department of Education requirements.
   
Highlights of the program include the following: 

• Concise presentation of all skills and knowledge necessary to become an effective PreK-4 teacher 
• Online format offers convenience and flexibility  
• Blending of theory and practice 
• Examination of teaching practices through the lens of a biblical worldview 


Program Mission Statement 

The Post-Baccalaureate Certification in Early Childhood Education program trains students from a philosophical base which reflects a biblical worldview, to serve the community as teachers in public and private schools. 

Program Outcomes 

As a result of this program, the student will do the following: 

1. Integrate knowledge of content, pedagogy, resources and learners to design coherent learning experiences that are aligned with outcomes and that reach all learners 
2. Implement safe, equitable, learning-focused environments developed through appropriate rapport between student and teacher, responsiveness to the needs and cultures of all learners, and effective classroom management techniques in an organized physical environment 
3. Demonstrate effective instructional practices as characterized by a) clear verbal, nonverbal, and media communication b) reflective and responsive teaching using multiple instructional strategies, c) implementation of a variety of assessment measures, and d) engagement of students in higher level thinking and learning 
4. Demonstrate professionalism by a) adhering to ethical, institutional and legal guidelines, b) maintaining accurate records, c) seeking opportunities to grow professionally, d) reflecting on his/her own practice, and e) collaborating with colleagues, parents, and the community to ensure learner growth and advance the profession 
5. Demonstrate a biblical worldview in his/her personal and professional life 

Location:  Online

 

Program Requirements

 

Certification Courses

EDU 519	Foundations & Framework for Learning	3
EDU 520	Foundations of Early Childhood Education	3
EDU 523	Theoretical Foundations of Development and Learning	3
EDU 524	Literacy Instruction in the PreK-4 Classroom	3
EDU 526	Diagnostic Reading Assessment	3
EDU 530	Mathematics Instruction in the PreK-4 Classroom	3
EDU 533	Pedagogy for the Content Areas	3
EDU 550	Socio-Cultural Perspectives on Education	3
EDU 590	Pre-Student Teaching Field Experience	3
EDU 591	Student Teaching	6
SEC 537	Technology for Teachers	3
ESL 520	Instruction and Assessment for the English Learner	3
SPE 510	Practices for the Inclusionary Classroom	3

Application Admission Retention Completion

Admission Requirements

Admissions to Post-Baccalaureate Certification in Early Childhood Education: 


1. Official transcript of a Bachelor’s degree in any field or its equivalent
2. A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better as documented on an official transcript from the undergraduate accredited institution *
3. Completed MEd application form and submission of required application credentials

*Graduate students with a GPA lower than 3.0 may be admitted to the program under provisional status with Program Coordinator approval. In provisional admittance status, the student must maintain a 3.0 in the first 12 credits of the program in order to be fully admitted into the program.

Students wishing to take courses solely for personal enrichment or Act 48 credits are classified as non-matriculating students.  Permission for enrollment in courses is based on completion of the Non-matriculating Application and the adequacy of class space.  If at a later time the student wishes to be admitted into the program, that student will need to go through the formal application process.  Granting credit for courses taken while a non-matriculating student is not automatic.  The Program Coordinator will evaluate course work and grant or not grant credit on an individual basis.   

Retention and Program Completion

Retention in Post-Baccalaureate Certification in Early Childhood Education: 

• Minimum Cumulative GPA=3.0 

The criteria for retention are reviewed at the conclusion of each enrollment period.  Should the GPA fall below 3.0 during the first three courses, the student is considered on probation for certification.  The student must meet with the advisor to determine a plan to raise the GPA to the minimum level.  

If at the completion of the 4th course, the student has not raised the GPA, then the student will receive notice of academic dismissal.  The student has the right to appeal in writing to the Registrar.  The appeal will be considered by the appeals committee. If the appeal is denied, the student may appeal to the Provost.   

 

Eligibility to enter Pre Student Teaching

1. Successful formal admission and retention in the Post-Baccalaureate Certification in Early Childhood Education Program 

2. Minimum GPA=3.0 

3. Renewed Child Abuse, Criminal Record, and Fingerprinting Clearances (within 6 months) 

4. TB test (within 6 months) 

5. Proof of Liability Insurance 

6. Completion of all graduate courses 

7. In good standing with Lancaster Bible College

 

Exit Criteria

Eligibility to be Recommended for Certification 

1. Completion of all program requirements and field placement requirements.  EDU 591Student Teaching must be completed within the state of Pennsylvania in order to be eligible for Pennsylvania Teacher Certification. 

2. A minimum of a satisfactory rating (1) in each of the 4 categories on the Pennsylvania Statewide Evaluation Form for Student Professional Knowledge and Practice (PDE 430). There must be 2 final forms.  A minimum total of at least 4 points must be achieved on the final summative rating in order to be recommended for certification.  The PDE 430 is completed by the college supervisor. 

3. Successful completion of the required certification tests (PECT) 

4. Minimum Cumulative GPA=3.0 

5. Submitted application to TIMS for PA Teacher Certification 

6. The recommendation of the LBC Certification Officer  

 

Program Director

Dr. Stacey Martin, EdD

Dr. Martin has 17 years of experience as a teacher and administrator in various early childhood settings.  She has been a professor at LBC for the past 10 years and currently serves as Chair of the Education Department.  She is passionate about early childhood, under-resourced populations, and teaching in general.  

 
Faculty

Dr. Bob Dodson, EdD
Dr. Stacey Martin, EdD

Adjunct Faculty

Mrs. Tina Barnhart, MEd
Dr. Angela Becker, EdD
Mrs. Christine Kirkpatrick, EdS
Dr. Lyntel Murphy, EdD
Mr. Jason Zimmerman, MEd