Agreement Eases Transition for Early Childhood Education Students

Pennsylvania College of Technology and Lock Haven University recently entered an articulation agreement that will allow graduates of Penn College's associate degree in early childhood education a smoother transition if they choose to continue their education at LHU.

The agreement guarantees Penn College early childhood education graduates admission to Lock Haven University's program with advanced standing at the junior level. The Penn College graduate may transfer up to 60 credits toward a bachelor's degree in preK-4/early childhood education at Lock Haven University: up to 30 credits in general education courses and up to 30 credits in core early childhood courses.

Penn College faculty will advise students during scheduling as to which courses are best for transferring.

Billie A. Coffman, associate professor of early childhood education, said many of Penn College's early childhood education graduates choose to continue their education at LHU, and the institutions want to make the transition as seamless as possible for them.

The agreement is the result of three years of meetings, comparing the institutions' courses side-by-side. She said they found many of their courses were similar.

"Professor Billie Coffman at Penn College and Dr. Betsy Manlove at Lock Haven University worked long and hard to put the agreement together during a time when significant changes in early childhood education in Pennsylvania were occurring," said Eugene M. McAvoy, assistant dean of integrated studies-programs at Penn College. "This agreement is indicative of the dedication, expertise and collaboration underlying the programs at both institutions."

"The Early Childhood Education articulation agreement that LHU has reached with Penn College is a welcome addition to our program," said Denise Tyson, associate professor of preK/early childhood education at Lock Haven University. "We have a long history of accepting Penn College's graduates into our baccalaureate program. This agreement eases that transition for the students and creates a more solid relationship with faculty from both colleges."

"It's going to be wonderful for our students, because education is so expensive, and anything we can do to make it easier when they go on for a bachelor's degree will make a big difference," Coffman said.

Further information about requirements and the transfer process is available from Denise Tyson, chair of LHU's Department of PreK-4/Early Childhood Education Program, at 570-484-2157 or by e-mail .

To learn more about early childhood education, the articulation agreement and other academic programs offered by the School of Integrated Studies at Penn College, call 570-327-4521 or visit online .

For general information about the college, visit on the Web , e-mail or call toll-free 800-367-9222.