The Hiram G. Andrews Center, part of the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I), has announced a new diploma program in Early Childhood Education. This program aims to prepare students for careers in early childhood education and care.
Beginning in January 2025, the 12-month program will offer students extensive training in early childhood development, health and safety, and curriculum planning. Students will also gain practical experience working directly with young children. Graduates will be eligible to earn the nationally recognized Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential.
“This new program at HGAC will help meet the growing demand for qualified early childhood educators in Pennsylvania,” said L&I Secretary Nancy A. Walker. “By providing quality training and hands-on experience, we ensure our youngest learners receive excellent care and education, positively impacting their lives and those of their families.”
Founded in 1959, the Hiram G. Andrews Center is operated through L&I’s Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR). The center focuses on offering barrier-free education and job readiness programs for individuals of all backgrounds and abilities, serving over 1,500 people in 2023. The center also includes the Commonwealth Technical Institute (CTI), an accredited trade and technical school that supports individuals with disabilities. CTI offers three associate degree programs in medical office, culinary arts, and networking technology, along with several diploma programs in automotive technology, culinary assistance, nurse aide training, and welding technology. Additionally, it provides essential workplace skills programs in office maintenance, building trades, and warehousing.
Key features of the new Early Childhood Education diploma program include:
1,425 hours of instruction over three terms (12 months)
45 semester credit hours, with over 480 hours of practical experience
Preparation for the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential
Small class sizes, with a maximum of 10 students
Graduates will qualify for entry-level positions in the Pennsylvania Early Childhood Career Pathway. These roles include childcare aides, special education aides, Early Head Start teachers, and teacher assistants in the PA Pre-K Counts program.
“At CTI at HGAC, we are dedicated to creating programs that meet the needs of job seekers and employers in Pennsylvania,” said Jill Moriconi, Director of the Commonwealth Technical Institute. “We are excited to offer this new training opportunity, which will help our graduates find stable employment. Our first cohort will start in the Early Childhood Education program in January 2025, preparing them for the job market within 12 months.”
Related Topics: