Early Childhood Education - BA

During your time in the early childhood education program, you will take a variety of courses that cover subjects such as literacy, creative arts and practicums in math and science. Each of these topics is supported by a wide variety of developmentally appropriate experiences in field service and student teaching throughout the District of Columbia. 

To qualify for graduation from the program, you will be required to complete 126 credit hours of required and elective courses. Core course and elective topic areas typically include:

Core Course Topic Areas:

• Principles of Child Development
• Classroom Management
• History & Philosophy of ECE: Teaching in Urban Schools
• Observation and Student Teaching

Elective Courses:

• Technology for Teachers
• Assessment of Exceptional Children
• Techniques/Procedures for Corrective and Remedial Reading

Interested in joining one of our student organizations or activities? We encourage you to pursue both campus and department-sponsored service learning and community-based research opportunities with community organizations, nonprofits, schools and other groups in our area!

Explore the available options below:

• Education Club: This student-led club volunteers, tutors and hosts fundraisers for children across the Washington Metropolitan area.
• NAEYC: The National Association for the Education of Young Children is the largest national early childhood organization. 

During your time in the program, you will learn to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of subject matter and pedagogy.
• Communicate effectively.
• Use effective classroom and behavior management techniques.
• Design, implement and assess developmentally appropriate teaching and learning activities.
• Understand and demonstrate respect for individual needs.
• Integrate instructional and assistive technology to enhance learning for all students.
• Commit to continuous growth through reflection and professional development.
• Advocate change to improve education for students, school systems, and yourself; display leadership qualities.
• Effectively collaborate with students, parents, colleagues, schools and communities.

After developing your skills and completing your degree, you'll have the opportunity to explore a wide variety of careers in your field! Many of our past graduates have gone on to pursue positions such as:

• Early Childhood Educator: Work as a teacher in pre-K through third-grade classrooms, utilizing your knowledge in the field and pedagogy to design and implement developmentally appropriate teaching and learning activities. Effectively communicate with students, parents, colleagues and communities, demonstrating respect for individual needs and ensuring a conducive learning environment through effective classroom and behavior management techniques. 
• Special Education Teacher: Use your understanding of individual needs, integrate instructional and assistive technology to enhance learning for all students and employ effective classroom management techniques tailored to diverse learning needs.
• Education Coordinator: Design, implement and assess developmentally appropriate teaching and learning activities while advocating for change to improve education for students and the school system as a whole. Your learned leadership qualities and effective collaboration with stakeholders will be essential to the position.
• Education Consultant: Provide support to schools and educational institutions in designing and implementing effective teaching practices. Commit to continuous growth through reflection and professional development, staying updated on current educational trends and best practices.
• Graduate Studies: Before pursuing one of many available careers, you also have the option to advance your education through the pursuit of graduate-level studies in education or related fields. Specialize in areas like curriculum development, educational leadership or special education, furthering your knowledge and expertise.

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