College of Arts & Sciences
   

Education - AA

The Associate in Arts degree in Education provides a comprehensive background in developmental theory, emphasizing the practical application of theory to developmentally appropriate environments for children. The program includes development from the physiological, psychological, cognitive, and sociological perspectives for children from birth through adolescence.

The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of adults working in various early childhood settings, including both public and private day care homes, child development centers, kindergartens, Head Start, and pre-school and school-age care programs. The program complements the competency requirements for the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and the standards set by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Candidates must complete practicum and field experiences which are a part of many of the courses in the curriculum. The UDC Child Development Center serves as the practicum and field experience site for students in the program. Before- and after-school programs in the District of Columbia Public Schools and Recreation Department also serve as sites, particularly for students who elect the school-age care or general education options.

Transfer of Credits

Students may transfer credits from other institutions at the time when they apply for entry into the University.

Student Organizations

Students may join the Early Childhood Club, Student National Education Association (SNEA) and or the Special Education Club.

Program of Study

The program consists of a minimum of 60 credit hours including University-wide requirements, department core courses, concentration of courses in the specific options, and electives.

The Associates of Arts Degree consists of three options:

  • Option I - Infant/Toddler Education
  • Option II - Early Childhood/School Age Education
  • Option III - General Education. 

Total Credit Hours of College-Level Courses Required for Graduation: 60

University-Wide Requirements: 22 credit hours

Course Number Course Name Credits
1133 111  English Composition I  3
1133 112  English Composition II  3
1535 101  College Mathematics I  3
1535 102  College Mathematics II  3
1161 105  World Cultural Geography  3
1119 116 
   or
1119 115
Voice and Articulation
   or
Public Speaking
3
1415 107  Integrated Science  3
1415 108  Integrated Science Laboratory  1
  Total 22

Core Courses: 12 credit hours

Course Number Course Name Credits
1319 104 

   or
1323 220
History and Philosophy of Early Childhood Education 
   or
Foundations of Education
3
1319 105 
   or
1325 244
Principles of Child Development 
   or
Human Development
3
1319 301
   or
1321 104  
Curriculum Studies 3
1353 204  Introduction to Education of Exceptional Children 3
  Total 12

Option I: Infant/Toddler Education: 21 credit hours [0 to Age 3]

Course Number Course Name Credits
1319 206  Infant Education  3
1319 208  Emergent Literacy  3
1319 224  Planning and Administration Early Childhood Programs  3
1319 245  Child in the Family  3
1351305 Children’s Literature 3
1319 230  Practicum I – Infant/Toddler  3
1319 326  Practicum II - Infant/Toddler 3
  Total 21

Suggested Electives: 5 credit hours

Course Number Course Name Credits
1109 312  Language Acquisition  3
1333 318  Child Health and Nutrition  3
3528 104 Introduction to Computers Lecture 2
3528 105 Introduction to Computer Lab 1

Option II: Early Childhood/School Age (Pre-K through Grade 3): 21 credit hours

Course Number Course Name Credits
1341 174  Techniques & Skills in Dual and Team Sports  3
1105 271  Creative Crafts  3
1319 207  Understanding Self and Relationships  3
1319 225  Administration and Supervision of School-Age Care Programs  3
1319 230  Practicum I - Early Childhood  3
1319 304  Play Activities and Materials  3
1319 326  Practicum II - Early Childhood  3
  Total 21

Suggested Electives: 5 credit hours

Course Number Course Name Credits
1351 305  Children’s Literature  3
1333 318  Child Health and Nutrition  3
3528 104 Introduction to Computers Lecture 2
3528 105 Introduction to Computer Lab 1

Option III: General Education (Elementary and Secondary)

Course Number Course Name Credits
1319 314 Teacher, Child, School, and Comm Inter 3
1323 300  Educational Psychology 3
1351 204  Tech for Aides in Read/LA 3
1535 393  Theory and Application of Mathematics 3
1325 428  Classroom Management 3
1325 330 Practicum I (Parapro.-Section # 2) 3
1325 430 Practicum II (Parapro- Section # 2) 3
  Total 21

Suggested Electives: 5 credit hours

Course Number Course Name Credits
1351 305  Children’s Literature 3
1333 318  Child Health and Nutrition 3
2207 104  Introduction to Business 3
3528 104 Introduction to Computers Lecture 2
3528 105 Introduction to Computer Lab 1