Future Educators, Certificate of Proficiency (FEP)

Effective: Fall 2025

The Future Educators Certificate of Proficiency is an innovative program designed specifically for students who are interested in pursuing a career in education but are unsure of the grade span they would like to teach. This certificate aims to equip students with the foundational knowledge, and hands-on experience needed to enter a formal teacher certification program of study.  Students have the opportunity to explore the field of education so that they can make an informed decision on the grades they want to teach upon completion. There is a focus on Prek-4th grade teacher certification which will help the student determine if they would like to teach this grade span.    

Upon completing this certificate, students have several options to further their education. They can continue at Delaware County Community College to pursue an Associate in Arts degree in Early Childhood Education (PreK–4th grade) if they plan to teach young children, or an Associate in Arts degree in Education for those interested in middle or secondary education. After earning their associate degree, students could benefit from transferring to a four-year institution by transferring under the terms of a partner institution articulation agreement, thereby receiving a guaranteed acceptance, guaranteed scholarship, application fee waiver and a fulfillment of general education courses. Students should meet with the Transfer Office during their first semester of coursework to learn of the benefits of this pathway.

While the courses required in this program typically transfer to our four-year partner institutions, applicability of program courses to the four-year degree will be dependent on the grade span chosen.

Dual enrollment students must place college ready to enter this certificate program.  

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Describe foundational knowledge of the progression of development during early childhood and adolescence.
• Develop effective written and oral communication skills.
• Discuss developmentally effective approaches, methods and resources for teaching and learning.
• Develop skills and strategies to be a reflective and intentional teacher.
• Evaluate teaching as a career choice and the grade spans of most interest.

The College will award a certificate of proficiency to students who complete 30 credits of an approved career program. These credits will not normally include physical education, developmental, basic and/or continuing education courses and will usually consist of 24 credits in the career specialty and six credits in general education. At least 15 of the credits must be earned at Delaware County Community College. The student must have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher. 

Notes

For those pursuing an Associate's Degree:

Education, AA (EDUC)

Middle Grades (4-8) Education Pathway with concentration in

• Language Arts Discipline, or
• Social Science/History Discipline

shown below, with completion in one year of full-time study.  Other available concentrations in the Education Program may require additional semesters of study to complete all requirements.

Early Childhood Education, AA (ECED)