Have an Impact on the Lives of Children

Westmoreland offers two associate degrees, a professional track and a transfer track, as well as two certificates including the CDA. We are also an approved institution for the Pennsylvania's Director Credential.

Why Choose Education as a Career?

Early Childhood and Primary Education (PreK-4) are fields where practitioners make meaningful differences in the lives of children and caregivers. As educators we nurture curiosity, creativity, and social-emotional skills that form the foundation for lifelong learning. This field offers the fulfillment of seeing children develop during the most formative years, which is deeply rewarding on both a personal and professional level.

Early childcare providers also make vital contributions to the economy and civil society. By enabling caregivers to participate fully in the workforce, early childcare providers support economic growth and stability. Beyond the economic impact, early childcare providers strengthen civil society by fostering inclusive communities and preparing future citizens to engage positively in a democracy. Educators not only support individual families but also contribute to the overall health and resilience of society.

What Will I Learn?

The CDA Certificate fulfills the professional education hours, professional portfolio, and exam and verification visit preparation for the Council for Professional Recognition. Additionally, students apply to the PA Key Voucher for support in paying for the exam and CDA credential. This program is comprehensive and at 16 credits is financial aid eligible. Most students qualify for credit for prior learning for one course to award credit for skills and competencies gained on the job. The CDA places professionals on Level A of the PA Key Career Pathway.

The professional track, Early Childhood Education AAS, prepares graduates for entry level through leadership positions in the field of early childhood education and Level B of the PA Key Career Pathway. The program provides a foundation for working in childcare settings with children from birth-9 years while developing competencies on research-based practices; developmentally appropriate practices, cultural responsiveness, and inclusiveness are emphasized. Supervised field experience at licensed early childcare sites is required. This program fulfills the educational requirements for the PA Director’s Credential.

The transfer track, Elementary Education PreK-4 AA, prepares graduates to transfer to a 4-year institution and apply for teacher certification in  grades PreK-4 after completing an approved baccalaureate program. The program provides a foundation for developing preservice competencies on research-based practices; developmentally appropriate practices, cultural responsiveness, and inclusiveness are emphasized. Supervised field experience at licensed early childcare sites is required. Graduates of the AA program have the option to transfer to many four-year institutions. This program fulfills the educational requirements for the PA Director’s Credential.

The Early Childhood Education Certificate fulfills requirements for those with an associate or bachelor's degree in a related field to qualify for Level B on the PA Key Career Pathway. This credential is useful for those who have changed careers and are seeking or already employed in early childcare. The certificate provides foundational knowledge in development from birth-8, family engagement, exceptionalities, and creative experiences in the classroom

The PA Directors Credential prepares completers for management positions in early childcare. Depending on a candidate's prior education, between 9-18 credits are completed at Westmoreland. After the required credits are completed, candidates apply for the PA Director’s Credential through the PA Key; employment and supervisory requirements must be met when applying for the credential. Candidates work with the ECE Director to choose the courses from the Director Credential Curriculum that best meet their career goals. All details and requirements for obtaining the Director Credential are available at The PA Key Director Credential Site.

• View the CDA Certificate in the College Catalog
• View the AAS degree in the College Catalog
• View the AA degree in the College Catalog
• View the Certificate in the College Catalog 
• View the Director Credential in the College Catalog

Funding Support Opportunities

Westmoreland is a PASSHE PDO partner, which means that if you qualify, you can receive full tuition and fee assistance, for up to 6 credits per semester, as well as textbook reimbursement. The PASSHE PDO supports students in the CDA, AAS, and AA programs. Find more info about the program and the application at https://ecepdo.org/ 

Meet Dr. Slider and learn more about the PDO program in the video below.

The T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Scholarship offers support for tuition, books, and travel and paid release time for practitioners who qualify. The program supports students in the AAS and AA programs. You can find out more and apply to the program by going to this link TEACH.

The Rising STARS Tuition Assistance Program from the PA KEY will pay for 95% of tuition costs and fees for qualifying students for the CDA and PA Director’s Credential coursework. You can find out more and apply to the program by going to this link Rising STARS Tuition Assistance Program

Career & Transfer Opportunities

Depending on the pathway you choose, program graduates find employment in a variety of agencies including public and private preschools, child care centers, and with public service organizations. Based on the type of employment you pursue, graduates can serve as lead or assistant teachers, center directors, start their own site, or work in the public school system as a paraprofessional or teacher’s aide. Visit the PA Key's Career Pathway System to see where your training places you on the Pathway.

Graduates can also transfer to 4-year institutions to complete degrees in PreK-4 education for certification as primary education teachers. Learn more about transfer opportunities at Westmoreland’s Transfer Page.