Wilkes University is proud to offer one of the only fully online pathways designed for working adults who have completed 55 credits or an associate degree to earn an Elementary and Early Childhood Education bachelor of arts completion degree with certification in Pennsylvania.
Upcoming events to be announced.
Flexible & Affordable Elementary & Early Childhood Program
Would you like to continue your college education and attain a bachelor’s degree but your schedule doesn’t allow for attending traditional daytime classes? The 100% online Elementary and Early Childhood Education completion program at Wilkes University is designed specifically for you! Our program offers all of the advantages of a traditional degree with educational certification and the flexibility of completing your coursework online.
Graduates of our program are prepared to pursue careers in school districts or early childhood settings and learn essential skills in classroom management, child development and meeting the unique needs of diverse learners.
In addition, you may be eligible for a scholarship or additional financial support that covers nearly all tuition costs and applicable university fees, plus paid time off to complete field experiences. The T.E.A.C.H. scholarship and additional funding allows students to complete their early childhood education degree while working full time.
T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship
Wilkes University has partnered with the Pennsylvania Child Care Association (PACCA external website), administrator of the state-funded grant known as the T.E.A.C.H. (.pdf) (Teacher Education And Compensation Helps) Early Childhood Pennsylvania Scholarship. This program offers financial assistance to early childcare professionals in Keystone STARS external website facilities who wish to advance their education and expertise and move up the career lattice (.pdf).
What does the T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship cover?
- Partial tuition
- Applicable university fees
- Paid release time for course completion (if applicable)
PNC Grow Up Great Tuition Support
Through a generous grant Wilkes received from the PNC Grow Up Great Foundation, you may qualify for partial tuition coverage beyond the T.E.A.C.H. scholarship.
Additional scholarships and financial aid for our online early childhood education degree program may be available for a tuition-free experience.
Early childcare professionals, teachers, and assistant teachers working in Keystone STARS external website facilities who have completed at least 55 credits in an accredited Early Childhood Education or equivalent teacher preparation program.
- Review Wilkes University admissions requirements.
- Apply to Wilkes
- Complete the T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship application (.pdf).
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of preschool and elementary teachers will grow seven percent over the next 10 years due to a continued focus on the importance of early childhood education. The number of students enrolling in prekindergarten and elementary schools is expected to increase over the coming decade, as will the number of teachers and classes needed to accommodate them. Median pay in the United States for early childhood and elementary education teachers is $55,490 per year.
“I took a break from school and during that time I found a full time job that I love. I struggled to find a program that would allow me to work and go to school at the same time so I could advance my career. I am so thankful for Wilkes University’s online pathway program for allowing me to continue to pursue my dream of becoming a teacher!”
"This program has definitely allowed me to further my education. When you work full time, going to classes during the day is simply not an option. If this program were not available, my choices would be to stop my professional growth or stop teaching in order to pursue professional growth. I am so thankful for this opportunity and highly encourage everyone I work with to take advantage of it!"
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