Early Childhood Education (PK-4) & Special Education (PK-12)/Early Childhood Education (PK-4) Dual 2+2 Programs
Help shape young minds and big hearts! Mansfield was one of the first teacher colleges in Pennsylvania. Join us as we continue the rich tradition of preparing the finest teachers as reflective decision-makers. Our curriculum emphasizes practical, hands-on courses with child-centered approaches. Our program features school experiences throughout all four years of study in a wide variety of classroom settings before culiminating in student teaching.
To be an educator is a vitally important profession. Become someone who will make an important difference in the minds and hearts of your students.
Early Childhood Education (PK-4) & Special Education (PK-12)/Early Childhood Education (PK-4) Dual 2+2 at Mansfield
- Early Childhood Education
- Special Education (PK-12) / Early Childhood Education (PK-4) Dual 2+2
- Student Organizations
Early Childhood Education
Our Early Childhood Education program provides an opportunity to develop knowledge of the nature of the child, the nature of the school and center, the learning process, general methods of teaching and methods of teaching particular subjects and to provide student teaching experience.A total of 70 semester hours is taken in required courses. None may be taken on a pass/fail basis. No free electives are available for this program.
In addition to the 120-credit requirement for a Commonwealth University degree, education majors are subject to background checks and passage of PAPA, PECT and any required PRAXIS exams.
*Please see the CU degree requirements effective Fall 2023. All enrolled students can also review their degree program requirements and track progress to degree completion in Degree Works.
Special Education (PK-12) / Early Childhood Education (PK-4) Dual 2+2
*Please see the CU degree requirements effective Fall 2023. All enrolled students can also review their degree program requirements and track progress to degree completion in Degree Works.
The Special Education (Pre K-12) and Early Childhood Education (Pre K-4) Dual 2+2 program allows students to spend their first two years at the Mansfield location before completing their degree at either the Bloomsburg and Lock Haven locations.
For specific course and program requirements, please consult the current undergraduate catalog.
The Special Education (Pre K - 12) / Early Childhood Education (PreK - 4) Dual 2+2 Program is designed to provide students with a foundation in child development and learning, extensive preparation in content subject matter and teaching methodology, and uses of observation and student assessment to guide instructional decision-making. Additional emphasis includes establishing cooperative relationships with families and community resources and developing the important knowledge, skills, and dispositions that are required of Special Education (Pre K-12) and Early Childhood Education (Pre K-4) professionals.
Completion of the program prepares graduates to meet the learning needs of all students and to be successful in diverse modern classrooms. Students also learn to adapt and plan instruction that is based on developmentally appropriate practices and to make effective uses of technology to aid teaching and learning.
Successful graduates of our program are recommended to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for Special Education (Pre K-12) and Early Childhood Education (Pre K-4) teaching certifications.
Student Organizations
Student Pennsylvania State Education Association (SPSEA)
Mansfield's chapter of the Student Pennsylvania State Education Association (SPSEA) is a professional organization devoted to providing professional development and networking opportunities for aspiring educators. SPSEA serves to provide a supportive environment for preservice teachers to take part in:
- Professional development seminars and conferences at the local, state, and national level
- Campus and community events dedicated to positively impacting children and their education
- Outreach service opportunities to work with local schools and their teachers, students, and administrators.
Mansfield's chapter of SPSEA helps preservice teachers to develop a better understanding and appreciation for the education profession. SPSEA also works to promote professional ethics, standards, and attitudes, all while making a difference in our local schools.
Below are links to Mansfield's SPSEA events and social media. Check us out!
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Licensure and Certification Information
While some of Mansfield University's professional degree programs are designed to prepare students to meet Pennsylvania's licensure or certification requirements, these programs are not necessarily compatible with licensure or certification requirements in other states. Students who plan to enroll in Mansfield's degree programs with the intent to pursue licensure or certification in states other than Pennsylvania must be aware of the professional licensure requirements in those states. Current students who are planning to undertake field experiences outside of Pennsylvania should also be aware the requirements of other states. Consistent with federal regulations, Mansfield is making a good faith effort to determine if our academic programs leading to licensure or certification meet the requirements of licensing boards in other states. Doing so requires contacting out-of-state licensing boards and having those boards review Mansfield's program curricula. As information from the out-of-state licensure boards is received, it will be posted on the University Licensure and Certification page.