Early Childhood Education – English as a Second Language (EC-ESL)
A Dual Certification Program in PreK–4 and ESL PreK–12
Are you passionate about working with students and excited to support learners from diverse language backgrounds? The EC-ESL program at ÑÇÖÞÇéÉ« is designed for future educators who want to make a difference in early childhood and ESL classrooms. This program helps you build a strong foundation in teaching students from birth through age nine and working with Multilingual Learners (MLLs) across all grade levels.
A Supportive, Real-World Approach
At Moravian, we blend cutting-edge research and theory with extensive hands-on experience. You’ll learn from experienced faculty and engage in fieldwork across a variety of settings from public and charter schools to Head Start and community-based programs.
We believe in mentoring our pre-service teachers, preparing you to be a reflective, culturally responsive, and informed advocate for students and families from all backgrounds.
Dual Certification Advantage
Moravian’s EC-ESL program is unique to the Lehigh Valley and leads to dual certification in PreK–4 and ESL PreK–12. This gives you the flexibility to:
- Teach in public, private, or charter schools
- Work in inclusive early childhood classrooms
- Support MLLs from PreK through high school
What You’ll Learn
As an EC-ESL major, you'll complete:
- All required education courses for PA certification in:
- Early Childhood Education PreK-4
- English as a Second Language PreK-12
Requirements
- All required general education courses (Learning in Common or MILE)
- Math (1.5 units, including MATH 120: Mathematics for Teaching)
- English (1.5 units)
- Choice of two electives in Special Education or Speech and Language Pathology
- Choice of two electives in Sociology or Communication
This interdisciplinary approach empowers you to understand and support students’ diverse cultural and linguistic identities. You'll learn to design interventions and collaborate with other professionals to guide every student to success!
Certification Exams
For Early Childhood (PECT through Pearson):
- 8006, 8007, 8008: PK–Grade 4 Modules 1–3
ESL Certification Professional Portfolio
Test scores should be reported to ÑÇÖÞÇéÉ« (RA2418) and the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Important Notes
- Foundation-level (100) courses must be completed with a C or better
- A 2.7 GPA is required for 200-level education courses and above
- Some courses have prerequisites such as lab science, American history, or MATH 120
- Student teaching is full-time in your senior year and includes two educational settings (PreK-4 and ESOL). No additional courses during that term
Recommended Course Sequence for Education Courses
Please consult your advisor to ensure that your general education, English, electives and Math credits are also included in your advising plan .
Fall:
- EDUC 100.2 – Intro to the Education of English Language Learners
Spring:
- EDUC 160 – Culture, Community & Diversity
- EDUC 160 LA – 40-hour Stage 1 & 2 Field Experience
- EDUC 214.2 – Music and Movement
Fall:
- EDUC 210 – Child Development & Cognition I
- EDUC 210 LA – 40-hour Stage 1 & 2 Field Experience
- EDUC 213.2 – Art in Education
- EDUC 216 – Early Childhood Theories, Practices & Family Partnerships
- EDUC 244 – Including Students with Disabilities
Spring:
- EDUC 211 – Child Development & Cognition II
- EDUC 211 LA – 40-hour Stage 1 & 2 Field Experience
- EDUC 222 – Emerging Language & Literacy, PK–Grade 4
- EDUC 422.3 – Effective Inclusionary Practices
Fall:
- EDUC 312 – Data-Driven Analysis & Decision-Making in ECE
- EDUC 322 – PreK Math Strategies
- EDUC 323 – PreK Scientific Reasoning
- EDUC 358.2 – Pre-Student Teaching Field Experience
- EDUC 358.2 LA – 75-hour Stage 3 Field Experience
- EDUC 410.3 – Language Acquisition and Development
Spring:
- EDUC 218.2 – Movement, Health & Safety for Young Children
- EDUC 321 – Language Arts for Children PK–Grade 4
- EDUC 359.2 - Pre-Student Teaching Field Experience
- EDUC 359.2 LA – 75-hour Stage 3 Field Experience
- EDUC 324 – PreK–4 Social Studies
- EDUC 411.3 ESL Curriculum and Instruction
- Special Education or Speech and Language Pathology Elective
Fall:
- EDUC 412.3 ESL Learner, Family & Community
- EDUC 413.3 ESL Assessment and Support
- EDUC 414.3 The ESL Specialist
- Special Education or Speech and Language Pathology Elective
Spring:
- EDUC 370 – Seminar for Early Childhood
- EDUC 375 Stage 4 Student Teaching Experience
- EDUC 376 Stage 4 Student Teaching Experience
- EDUC 377 Stage 4 Student Teaching Experience
