New Transfer Agreement with Wilkes University Enabling Students to Earn a Bachelor’s in Elementary and Early Childhood Education at Less Expense
(Delaware and Chester Counties, PA • May 12, 2022)—Delaware County Community College and Wilkes University, based in Wilkes-Barre in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, have signed an articulation agreement that will allow qualified Delaware County Community College graduates who earn an Associate in Arts in Early Childhood Education to transfer seamlessly as juniors into Wilkes University’s baccalaureate degree program in Elementary and Early Childhood Education.
It is the first such agreement between the two higher education institutions, and it takes place at a time when Pennsylvania is in short supply of early childhood education teachers, deemed high priority occupations for the Commonwealth. “There is a high demand for quality early childhood education opportunities and our joint initiatives are a solution for Pennsylvania,” said Delaware County Community College President Dr. L. Joy Gates Black. “Partnering with Delaware County Community Colleges creates a seamless pathway for students to earn a bachelor’s degree from Wilkes in a rewarding and growing field,” said Wilkes University President Dr. Greg Cant.
The new agreement eliminates repetition of courses to complete a baccalaureate degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education leading to certification for pre-kindergarten to fourth grade (PreK-4) teaching. The agreement also removes the need for course-by-course evaluation, and it utilizes competency standards based on the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s PreK-4 framework guidelines for the associate and bachelor’s degrees. In addition, the agreement allows students to earn a bachelor’s degree online, and makes available the state grant-funded, Teacher Education And Compensation Helps (T.E.A.C.H.) Early Childhood Scholarship for Child Care Center Staff and Family Child Care Providers. It includes an 18-credit minor in reading education, preparing students to be highly effective educators.
Qualifying Delaware County Community College students can transfer credits to Wilkes University as long as they have adhered to the program-to-program course transfer advising regimen agreed to by the two schools; maintain at least a 3.0 grade point average; pass the Praxis, Core, or PAPA; and meet other program requirements. Some of the courses that will transfer from the College to the University include Introduction to Special Education, which will be accepted into the University’s Teaching Students With Special Needs program, and Infant/Toddler Care and Education, which will be accepted into the University’s First Year Foundations program. A total of 124 credits is required to graduate with the Wilkes University bachelor’s credential.
