Early and Middle Grades Education

Early and Middle Grades Education Office
106B Recitation Hall
West Chester, PA 19383
Call 610-436-2944
FAX: 610-436-3102
bleisenring@wcupa.edu


Undergraduate Programs

The Department of Early and Middle Grades Education offers four undergraduate degree programs that lead to Instructional I Certification by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, two post-baccalaureate certification programs that leads to Instructional I Certification, two M. Ed. programs, and two minors.

B.S.Ed in Early Grades Preparation, Pre-K through Grade 4

The B. S. Ed. in EARLY GRADES PREPARATION (EGP) is designed to provide a broad background in general education, an understanding of children, and the knowledge and skills needed to teach pre-kindergarten through fourth grade. Upon satisfactory completion of the approved program, the student will qualify for a Grades PK-4 Pennsylvania Instructional I Certificate, valid for six years of teaching in grades pre kindergarten through four. Students choosing the EGP program may choose to complete a “dual major” with Special Education. Upon satisfactory completion of the approved dual-major program, the student will qualify for a Grades PK-4 Pennsylvania Instructional I Certificate and a Special Education PK-8 Pennsylvania Instructional I Certificate; both are valid for six years of teaching in the relevant grades, subjects, and settings. Click here for the Guidance Sheet, Pacing Guide and Program Handbook for the EGP program.

B.S.Ed in Middle Grades Preparation, Grades 4 through 8

The B. S. Ed. in MIDDLE GRADES PREPARATION (MGP) is designed to provide a broad background in general education, an understanding of children and young adolescents, and the knowledge and skills needed to teach fourth through eighth grades. Upon satisfactory completion of the approved program, the student will qualify for a Grades 4-8 Pennsylvania Instructional I Certificate, valid for six years of teaching in grades four through six and selected content areas in grades seven and eight. Students choosing the MGP program may choose to complete a “dual major” with Special Education. Upon satisfactory completion of the approved dual-major program, the student will qualify for a Grades 4-8 Pennsylvania Instructional I Certificate and a Special Education PK-8 Pennsylvania Instructional I Certificate; both are valid for six years of teaching in the relevant grades, subjects, and settings. Click here for the Guidance Sheet, Pacing Guide and Program Handbook for the MGP program. 

B. S. Ed. in Early Childhood Education 

The B.S.Ed in EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION curriculum is designed to provide both the liberal education and special preparation required for careers in public and private school as teachers and directors, as well as supervisory work in early childhood programs in public schools and other venues. Upon satisfactory completion of the program, the student will qualify for a Pennsylvania Instructional I Teaching Certificate valid for six years of teaching in preschool, kindergarten, and grades one through three. This program is available only for those students who will graduate and earn certification before August 2013. Students are no longer being admitted to this program. Click here for the Guidance Sheet for the ECE program.

B.S.Ed in Elementary Education

The B.S.Ed in ELEMENTARY EDUCATION is designed to provide a broad background in general education, an understanding of children, and the knowledge and skills needed to teach all aspects of the elementary school program. Upon satisfactory completion of the approved program, the student will qualify for a Pennsylvania Instructional I Certificate, valid for six years of teaching in kindergarten and grades one through six. This program is available only for those students who will graduate and earn certification before August 2013. Students are no longer being admitted to this program. Click here for the Guidance Sheet for the EDE program.

Undergraduate Minor in Early Childhood Education

Please note: New students are not being accepted into this minor at this time.

Undergraduate Minor in Elementary Education 

The Minor in Elementary Education is available to students throughout the university who wish to explore essential topics in child and young adolescent development and elementary education. The minor includes course options, and students confer with an advisor to determine which courses best fit their needs and interests. Students who are enrolled as either early grades (EGP) or middle grades preparation (MGP) majors may not declare this minor. Click here for the Guidance Sheet for the EDE minor program.