Oct 31, 2025

2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog

Education, B.A., Pre K-4 and Certification

About the Program

The major in Pre K-4 is designed to provide certification from birth to grade 4. The program embeds interdisciplinary and experiential learning through a variety of service learning projects and flexibility to study abroad. This program also offers the opportunity to explore a range of electives and earn a comprehensive education. Students develop a broad-based understanding across disciplines through the other elements of Arcadia’s Undergraduate Curriculum.

Requirements

Professional Education Requirements
Prerequisite for teacher certification preparation program: English composition (EN101), English Literature (EN 199), Two courses MA 110 or higher: recommended MA117 and MA118

Additional Undergraduate Curriculum requirements and requirements as needed

Professional Education Courses and Fieldwork

Courses with an asterisk (*) also meet an Undergraduate Curriculum requirement.

ED 110 Teaching for Learning (4 Credits) (meets Self and Society requirement) * +Lab
ED 110L Teaching for Learning Fieldwork (0 credits)
ED 110L Teaching for Learning Fieldwork (0 credits)
ED 211 Assessment and Intervention in Birth-8yrs (4 Credits)
ED 212 Child and Youth Development (4 Credits) (meets Self and Society requirement) *
ED 214 Introduction to Inclusive Education (4 Credits)
(meets Self and Society and Research Writing requirements)*
ED 216 Teaching Literacy in the 21st Century (4 Credits)
ED 219L Field Experience I (1 Credit)
ED 220L Field Experience II (1 Credit)
ED 222 Play-Based Curriculum Birth-8yrs (4 Credits)
ED 307 STEAM 2: Design Thinking and Problem-Based Learning + Lab (4 Credits) (Meets Natural and Physical World requirement)*
ED 308 Social Studies Literacies (4 Credits) (Meets Writing, Visual Literacy, and CABR requirements)*
ED 309L Field Experience III (2 Credits)
ED 310L Field Experience IV (2 Credits)
ED 315S Differentiated Instruction (4 Credits)
ED 318 Developing Mathematicians: Think & Learn (4 credits)
ED 387 Pre-Student Teaching (4 Credits)
(meets Integrative Learning Experience requirement)*
- ED 387L Pre-student teaching lab (2 credits)
ED 490 Critical Conversations, Equity & Tchr Inqry (4 credits) (meets CABR and GE/GR requirements)*
ED 416 Student Teaching: Early Elementary (9 Credits) (meets Senior Capstone Seminar requirement)*

Undergraduate ENTRY REQUIREMENTS for the Teacher Certification Preparation Programs

Recommended minimum overall GPA of 3.0 at the time of application.
Completed and earned grades of C- or better in 6 credits in Mathematics above the MA 100 level (recommended: MA 117 and MA 118 ).
Completed and earned grades of C- or better in 6 credits in English. One course in Composition (EN 101 ) and one course in American/English Literature (recommended EN 199 ).
Completed 48 credits.
Background Checks: Meets background check requirements using the Castle Branch System for
- Federal Criminal History Record Information (CHRI)
- Pennsylvania State Police Request for Criminal Records Check
- Department of Human Services Child Abuse History Clearance
- Tuberculosis (TB) test result

EXIT REQUIREMENTS for Teacher Certification Candidates

Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0.
Completion of an approved program of study leading to certification in the area of certificate requested.
Satisfactory completion of student teaching, fieldwork or internship (required grade of “B” or better) in the area of certification.
Completion of a professional portfolio.
Recommendation of University Certification Officer on the TIMS application.