Early Years

The College offers expanded opportunities
for future educators

Michelle Tooker

America is facing a child care crisis. Tuition is up 32% nationwide since 2019, according to data from Bank of America Institute. In Pennsylvania, 84% of child care centers are experiencing staff shortages, and more than 38,000 children are on waiting lists to enroll, according to Start Strong PA. Delaware County Community College’s Early Childhood Education (ECE) program is addressing this crisis head-on with expanded opportunities and resources.

The driver behind the ECE program’s high-reaching initiatives is Jean Allison, Ph.D., program coordinator and associate professor of ECE. Dr. Allison is an award-winning faculty member who was named a 2023 VOICE for Children Award Honoree by the Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children in recognition of her 30 years of service and advocacy.

A former preschool teacher, Dr. Allison joined the College’s faculty in 2006. Throughout her career, she has served on state committees and in professional organizations to support and advocate for training and education for the early care and education workforce.

As coordinator of the College’s ECE program, Dr. Allison oversees the Early Childhood Director and ECE Professional Core certificates along with the ECE associate degree. Since joining the College, she has worked tirelessly to improve the field and better equip educators for success.

“We are currently in self-study for accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children,” she says. “Earning this accreditation ensures that we are preparing highly qualified teachers for the early learning workforce and for transfer to earn PreK-4th grade teacher certification.”

The transfer degree is one of her proudest accomplishments. “It has given ECE more respect from key stakeholders both in and outside of the College.”

Dr. Allison hopes the degree will continue to grow to meet industry needs while preparing highly qualified teachers in early learning programs and says even more is planned for the ECE program.

A no-cost program for high school juniors

In fall 2023, DCCC and the Delaware County Council launched a new Teacher Education Program that gives high school students interested in teaching a jump-start on their careers. The program is the first of its kind in Pennsylvania and was created to address the critical shortage of teachers.

The two-year program allows high school juniors to attend DCCC and earn up to 38 credits toward an education degree. Participants can transfer these credits into one of the College’s associate degree programs or to a four-year institution.

The Council unanimously voted to approve the initiative and is providing tuition funding to the first 70 participants, meaning the program is offered at no cost to students, their families or school districts.

Additionally, the College received two grants that provide tuition, textbooks and other resources to students enrolled in an early learning program who are working full time—providing greater access to higher education by removing and reducing barriers.

A new, high-tech Early Learning Center

Looking ahead, one of the most significant updates to the program and response to the child care crisis is the new 17,000-square-foot Early Learning Center slated to open in 2025. The Center is part of the College’s new Southeast Campus and will be operated by the Delaware County YMCA.

The Center will serve as an integral part of the community-focused campus, providing child care for local residents while allowing DCCC students to obtain firsthand experience in child development in a high-tech learning lab.

“The lab will allow students to observe children in the real-life classroom,” says Dr. Allison. “It will also help the degree progress since students will have early access to make informed decisions on their major and career choices.”

Each ECE classroom will offer an observation space with one-way mirrors and audio capabilities so students can witness concepts taught in class firsthand. Students in other majors—such as Psychology and Nursing—will also be able to use the observation areas, and the space will serve as a field placement site.

The Center will also positively impact the surrounding community.The Lansdowne YMCA is subcontracting to deliver services in the space, which will function as a fully operational, licensed child care center. This will provide area residents with greater access to high-quality early learning options, especially for families who work full time.

To learn more about the new campus, visit dccc.edu/southeast-campus.