Our early childhood education program prepares candidates to meet eligibility requirements for teacher licensure in early childhood education (ages 3-8) in the District of Columbia. Once licensed, candidates also may apply for reciprocity in other jurisdictions.
Students complete field-based experiences during their first and second years and a final semester in a school for a full-time student teaching internship. These student teaching internships are in public, charter and private school systems in the Washington metropolitan area, and placements are made by the university.
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.
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: NoneEDCC 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.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 childrens 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 434 Early Learning and Family, Culture, and CommunityExamines the multiple social and cultural factors that influence development and learning throughout childhood, including the relationships among the child, school, family and larger community. Topics include the theories that promote understanding of these influences, how knowledge of these influences can promote effective teaching and learning, and strategies for building family and community relationships in support of diverse learners.
For the major, a minimum grade of B in this course is required.
3 credits
Prerequisites: EDCC 220 and EDCC 330 with grade of B or higher. Admission to the School of Education Early Childhood Education program.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.
The program is state approved and nationally recognized by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (N.A.E.Y.C.) and by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (N.C.A.T.E.). Course syllabi and classroom activities reflect the standards of the Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (I.N.T.A.S.C.).
The School of Professional Studies offers the undergraduate degree in early childhood education in partnership with the School of Education.
Connect with Trinity: Interested in attending Trinity? Please visit our Office of Admissions.
Our early childhood education program prepares candidates to meet eligibility requirements for teacher licensure in early childhood education (ages 3-8) in the District of Columbia. Once licensed, candidates also may apply for reciprocity in other jurisdictions.
