August 20, 2025 Northampton Community College to Offer School Age Credential Program Online This Fall Northampton Community College is offering an online School Age Credential Program this fall. Learn More Those who take the course and receive a diploma will be able to teach in school-age child care centers and before- or after-school programs. The course prepares attendees for the Pennsylvania School-Age Professional Credential. In the program, attendees will learn about students’ social-emotional development, managing school-age programs, interacting with families and communities, and the professional code of ethics and standards for before- and after-school programs. Participants can apply credits toward an associate’s degree in early childhood education. About the School Age Credential Program The program is designed for students employed in the field and offers an entry-level credential. Courses provide the student with 120 hours of training required for the credential program. Students must complete 480 hours of supervised teaching in a licensed child care facility. Students will receive nine total credits for the courses and they may submit their credential to the Pennsylvania Key. The course will be held on Zoom one night per week in the evenings. Weekly class attendance, readings, and written assignments are required. The semesters for the program include: Course 1 – September through December Course 2: January to May Course 3 – June through August Those interested in attending the course should contact Tara Pascoe, ECE credential coordinator, at tpascoe@northampton.edu or visit the course’s website.
November 19, 2024 Tuition Assistance Available for Spring 2025 Online Child Care Health Advocate Course Enrollment is open for a spring 2025 online Child Care Health Advocate course offered by Northampton Community College. Learn More The three-credit hour college course (EARL 160) is taught remotely over the course of 14 weeks between Jan. 21 and May 12. The course prepares the child care practitioner to function in the role of a child care health advocate. The class addresses 15 different health and safety modules as a resource for child care directors, teachers, assistant teachers, and child care practitioners. Participants will learn to assess, identify, and prioritize the health and safety needs of children and staff and will learn to collaborate with a registered nurse or licensed physician who serves as the facility’s child care health consultant. In partnership with the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), tuition assistance is available for child care facility staff currently employed in Pennsylvania. Register Now Those interested in the course should register early because space is limited. To start the enrollment process for an OCDEL-supported slot, fill out the online survey. All Pennsylvania early childhood staff – including directors, teachers, assistant teachers, and family child care home providers – are eligible to enroll. OCDEL will cover all tuition-related fees, books, and materials for the course (valued at more than $1,000). The course is aimed at enabling students to meet Standard 1.3.2.7 Qualifications and Responsibilities for Health Advocates. It offers an opportunity for child care practitioners to acquire academic credit that may be applicable toward college degrees. Credits can also be used to renew director credentials. Any questions about the course should be emailed to ecels@paaap.org.
