Trinity’s Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Community Education is the optimal degree program for scholars whose career goals do not require state teaching certification. The Community Education curriculum will combine education and humanities courses that will adequately prepare students for working in a variety of youth educational services that do not require state licensure.
At Trinity, the B.A. degree in Early Childhood Community Education will allow students to specialize in one of three areas that are exceptionally unique to the DC metropolitan area: Equity and Justice Trauma-Informed Leadership, and Special Education.
Our courses provide a core of knowledge, skills and field-based experiences and include performance assessments designed to demonstrate the teacher’s ability to impact student learning.
A minimum grade of “B” (3.0) or better in all courses taken as major requirements (both pre-acceptance EDCC and EDTE courses and all courses taken as major requirements).
Pre-Acceptance Major Requirements (22 credits)
Students take ALL of these courses before admission into the early childhood education program:
• EDCC 205 Children, Families, Culture and the Community in Early ChildhoodThis course examines relationships among schools, children and families, introducing the complex social and cultural factors that influence children's development and learning, as well as the ethical guidelines that determine professional conduct. Within an orientation to the theoretical and developmental foundations of early learning education of young children, the course emphasizes current issues regarding families, community, and cultural diversity.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
• EDCC 207 Development of Learning Experiences in Early Childhood EducationThis course examines the historical, theoretical, and developmental foundations for learning in young children, birth to age 8 (specifically, pre-K to 3rd grade). Students learn how to create developmentally and individually appropriate lesson and activity plans. Learning experiences integrate the various content areas of literacy, math, science, social studies, and the arts, and incorporate the social-emotional, cognitive, and physical domains of child development.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
• EDCC 211 Development of Early Childhood Oral Language and Literacy SkillsThis course introduces strategies for helping young children acquire communication skills. The contribution of appropriate children's literature to literacy development is demonstrated. Activities, materials, and lessons in these areas emphasize developmentally appropriate practices. This course requires a 10 hour on-site field component.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
• EDCC 213 Observation, Description and Measurement of Growth in Early ChildhoodIn this introductory course, students use developmentally appropriate observation and record keeping strategies to reflect upon, improve, maintain, and extend learning. Tools and techniques that promote growth across all domains of early childhood development-social-emotional, cognitive, and physical, and across language and other content areas-will be discussed and explored. This course requires a 10-hour on-site field component.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
• EDCC 220 Foundations of EducationAllows teacher candidates to examine some of the historical, philosophical, and cultural foundations of American education. Curriculum content and organization and basic teaching competencies are introduced in light of professional organization. Implications of understanding contemporary educational issues, policy, and decision-making are stressed. A Praxis component is introduced along with an explanation of the teacher education program in light of the standards in teacher education. Field component is an integral part of the course. Students also are required to engage in Praxis I preparation through weekly completion of an on-line Praxis program.
Formerly EDU 260 Foundations of Education.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
• EDCC 250 Technology in EducationPrepares teacher candidates to integrate technology, teaching, and learning. Students will access, incorporate, and evaluate technologies in order to support understanding, inquiry, assessment, communication, and collaboration. Tools include multi-media hardware and software, the World Wide Web, and other digital-age resources. Students will practice digital citizenship and responsibility.
3 credits
CAS Prerequisites: EDCC 220 with grade of B or higher.
SPS Prerequisites: EDCC 220 with grade of B or higher.
• EDTE 232 Art and Movement in the ClassroomProvides students with a critical understanding of the visual arts, music, movement, and drama for young children and the importance of integrating arts into the curriculum. Students develop the knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to plan developmentally appropriate activities which integrate creative experiences in the visual arts, music, dance/movement, and drama within the early childhood and elementary classroom curriculum. Formerly FNAR 232 - Art and Movement in the Classroom.
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
General Education Area II: Knowledge and Inquiry (Fine Arts)
• EDTE 492 Praxis PreparationThis one credit course is designed to prepare students to successfully pass the Praxis Core tests in reading, math, and writing. Successful completion of Praxis Core is required before students can declare a major in early childhood or elementary education. Students will be enrolled in NorthStar Learning for Workforce Readiness where they have access to diagnostic exams, lessons, and full-length practice exams.
Major Requirements (36 credits)
Students take ALL of the following courses after admission into the program:
• EDCC 330 Education of Exceptional Children and YouthSurveys major areas of exceptionality and legislative standards for special education and related services for students with special needs. Topics include inclusive education and collaboration among special educators, general educators, related service providers, volunteers, and parents. Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), differentiated instruction, accommodations, and enrichment are examined in relation to students' needs and learning styles. Increasing access to curricula based on college- and career- ready standards is addressed. Field component is an integral part of the course.
Formerly EDU 376 Education of Exceptional Children and Youth.
3 credits
CAS Prerequisites: EDCC 220 with grade of B or higher.
SPS Prerequisites: EDCC 220 with grade of B or higher. Evidence of taking the Praxis I or other state-required examinations.
• EDCC 340 Teaching and LearningExamines current theory and practice in the teaching and learning process to include the detailed components of planning effective lessons. The dynamics of learning are viewed through the perspectives of human development, motivational theory, learning theory, classroom dynamics, and socio-cultural factors. Field component is an integral part of the course. Formerly EDU 383 Teaching and Learning.
3 credits
CAS Prerequisites: EDCC 220 with grade of B or higher.
SPS Prerequisites: EDCC 220 with grade of B or higher. Evidence of having passed the Praxis I or other state-required examinations.
• EDTE 301 Classroom ManagementFocuses on the study of teaching methods and classroom management techniques that facilitate the learning of students in our multicultural and inclusive classrooms. Field component is an integral part of the course.
3 credits
CAS Prerequisites: EDCC 220 with grade of B or higher.
SPS Prerequisites: EDCC 220 with grade of B or higher. Evidence of taking the Praxis I or other state-required examinations.
General Education: Leadership (UNDE Majors Only)
• EDTE 401 Classroom AssessmentProvides teacher education candidates with a wide spectrum of tools to assess student learning and teacher effectiveness. Emphasis is placed on the different types and applications of formal and informal assessments, including authentic and performance-based assessment, standardized tests, and individual assessments. Candidates gain practical experience in creating classroom assessments and analyzing results of different assessment tools. Field component is an integral part of the course.
3 credits
CAS Prerequisites: EDCC 220 and EDCC 330 with grade of B or higher. Evidence of having passed the Praxis Core or other state-required examinations.
SPS Prerequisites: For the major, a minimum grade of B in this course is required.
EDCC 220 and EDCC 330 with grade of B or higher. Admission to the School of Education Early Childhood Education program.
• EDTE 421 Emergent LiteracyExamines the fundamentals of developmental reading instruction, including reading readiness. Teacher candidates learn a wide range of research- and practice- based strategies, including experience records procedures, reciprocal reading and writing activities, and cross-curricular strategies for reading comprehension. Candidates gain an understanding of phonological awareness and concepts of print as well as early literacy acquisition to teach reading, writing, speaking, viewing, listening and thinking skills. Field component is an integral part of the course.
3 credits
CAS Prerequisites: EDCC 220 and EDCC 330 with grade of B or higher. Evidence of having passed the Praxis Core or other state-required examination. Students who are enrolled in the Community Education program are exempt from the Praxis Core requirement.
SPS Prerequisites: For the major, a minimum grade of B in this course is required.
Prerequisites: EDCC 220 and EDCC 330 with grade of B or higher. Admission to the School of Education Early Childhood Education program.
• EDTE 430 Theory and Practice of Oral Language and Literacy in Early LearningDevelops understanding of the developmental continuum of oral communication and literacy acquisition in early learners and young children (PreK-Grade 3). Prepares teacher candidates to use developmentally appropriate techniques for assessment, planning, instruction, and creation of learning opportunities. Strategies and procedures for fostering each of the five recognized elements of strong reading instruction: phonics, phonemic awareness, comprehension, vocabulary, and fluency, as well as the teaching of writing, spelling, listening, and speaking will be introduced and practiced. Candidates further learn how to infuse language and literacy through children's literature and across the curriculum. Course content includes principles of planning, classroom organization, and management to meet the needs of diverse learners. Candidates coach a beginning reader. Field component is an integral part of the course. For the major, a minimum grade of B in this course is required.
3 credits
CAS Prerequisites: Must have passing scores on Praxis Core Examination submitted to the School of Education by ETS. Students who are enrolled in the Community Education program are exempt from the Praxis Core requirement.
SPS Prerequisites: Completion of EDTE 421 with grade of B or higher. Admission to the School of Education Early Childhood Education program.
• EDTE 432 Curriculum Construction and Integration for Early LearningProvides teacher candidates with understanding of both current and historical theory, research, and practices in the education of young learners (Pre-K-3rd grade). Incorporating the social-emotional, cognitive, and physical domains of child development, teacher candidates create developmentally and individually appropriate lessons, activities, and resources. Curricula integrate content areas of literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, and the arts.For the major, a minimum grade of B in this course is required.
3 credits
Prerequisites: Admission to the School of Education Early Childhood Education program. Must have passing scores on Praxis Core Examination submitted to the School of Education by ETS. Students who are enrolled in the Community Education program are exempt from the Praxis Core requirement.
• EDTE 436 Theory and Practice of Early Learning in Math & ScienceResearch and practice bases for early learners' acquisition of experiences and concepts that are critical to learning mathematics and science are explored. Teacher candidates construct activities, lessons, and units for learning mathematics and science and for integrating them across the curriculum. Emphasis is on strategies and materials that are activity-centered and address the needs of different learners. Field component is an integral part of the course. For the major, a minimum grade of B in this course is required.
3 credits
Prerequisites: Completion of EDTE 432 with a grade of B or higher. Admission to the School of Education Early Childhood Education program. Must have passing scores for the Praxis Core Examination sent to the School of Education by ETS. Students who are enrolled in the Community Education program are exempt from the Praxis Core requirement.
• EDTE 473 Student Teaching in Elementary EducationProvides students with a semester-long, full-time teaching internship in an elementary education school setting under the guidance and supervision of a certified teacher and college supervisor. Candidates must apply for student teaching the semester prior to placement and have passed the Internship Readiness Assessment. Internship placements are arranged by the University. Candidates will be at their placement full-time, 5 days a week for the entire semester.
9 credits
Prerequisites: Qualifying score on the Internship Readiness Assessment. Application for student teaching accepted by School of Education. Concurrent enrollment in EDTE 499.
• EDTE 499 Advanced Seminar in TeachingThe seminar is a companion to and taken concurrently with student teaching. This culminating learning experience provides opportunities to share, examine, and reflect upon internship experiences and to revisit the theories and practices of teaching as they apply in the real world of the interns' specific classroom placement. Interns also focus on career planning and development as well the production of a portfolio (e-portfolio) containing specific requirements.
3 credits
CAS Prerequisites: Application for student teaching accepted by School of Education. Concurrent enrollment in EDTE 473 Student Teaching.
SPS Prerequisites: For the major, a minimum grade of B in this course is required.
Qualifying score on the Internship Readiness Assessment. Completion of all program requirements other than EDTE 471 Application for student teaching accepted by School of Education. Concurrent enrollment in EDTE 471
Teacher in Childcare Center
Childcare Center Director
Early Childhood Teacher in Non-Public Charter School (that does not require licensure)
Teaching Assistant
Teaching Assistant in Special Education
Trinity’s Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Community Education is the optimal degree program for scholars whose career goals do not require state teaching certification. The Community Education curriculum will combine education and humanities courses that will adequately prepare students for working in a variety of youth educational services that do not require state licensure.
