Early Childhood Education – Bachelor of Arts Degree (BA)

The Bachelor of Arts Degree Program in Early Childhood Education focuses on comprehensive care and education of children from PreK to 3rd grade and professional interaction with their families. This education forms the academic framework, which guides developmentally appropriate practices in early childhood settings. Emphasis is placed on responding to the developmental and cultural uniqueness of each child as students in the program learn to design, implement, and evaluate curricular activities and learning environments. Each student is required to complete student teaching experience in Pre-primary and primary settings. The program also offers a rigorous advising and mentoring system to ensure that all students gain professional experience and establish connections useful for their postgraduate goals. For more information, please contact Prof. Ayanna C. Kelley, Program Coordinator, at 202. 274.7245 or ayanna.kelley@udc.edu.

Accreditation:

The program is accredited by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

Accreditation Status

CAEP Annual Reporting Measures

Objectives for Early Childhood Education Undergraduate Programs

Students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of subject matter and pedagogy.
2. Communicate effectively.
3. Utilize effective classroom and behavior management techniques.
4. Design, implement and assess developmentally appropriate teaching/learning activities.
5. Understand and demonstrate respect for individual needs and diversity.
6. Integrate instructional and assistive technology to enhance learning for all students.
7. Commit to continuous growth through reflection and professional development.
8. Advocate change to improve education for students, school system, and self; display leadership qualities.
9. Effectively collaborate with students, parents, colleagues, schools, and communities.

Related:

• College of Arts and Sciences
• Learn more about applying for admission to the Early Childhood Education program
• Find out about scholarship opportunities for Early Childhood Education students

Curriculum and Requirements in the UDC Early Childhood Education Program

Students in the bachelor’s program in Early Childhood Education at UDC complete a 126 credit hour plan of study to earn the degree. Students take courses in language, creative arts, emergent literacy, practicums, methods and materials in math and science arranged by a wide variety of developmentally appropriate practices in field service and student teaching in diverse learning environments in the District of Columbia.

Recent elective courses have included:

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

Core course topic areas include:

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

Program of Study

Student Organizations and Activities

Students are encouraged to pursue campus and department-sponsored service-learning and community-based research opportunities with community organizations, nonprofits, schools, and other groups in the local area.  Opportunities include:

Education Club: The student-led club volunteers, tutors, and hosts fundraisers for children in the District of Columbia.

NAEYC:  The National Association for the Education of Young Children is the largest national early childhood organization and our faculty encourages students to join.