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Education
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B.A. in Education with a Specialization in Early Childhood Education
Education
202-250-2043
202-448-7067
Overview
Bobbi Jo Kite Herbold, BA Program Coordinator
Fowler Hall, Room 301D
Courses & Requirements
Summary of Requirements
| 2022-2023 | |
| Core Curriculum | 43 |
| Pre-Major Courses | 9 |
| Major and Related Courses | 71 |
| Free Elective Courses | 3 |
| TOTAL | 126 |
Requirements for a Major in Early Childhood Education
For continuation in a teacher education program, an education major must maintain a cumulative degree average of 2.75 or better, with a B or higher in education courses and a C+ or better in all pre-major, pre-professional and related elective courses.
Required pre-major courses 9 hours
To be taken in freshman or sophom*ore year:
An overview and study of contemporary trends, problems, and issues in general education in terms of educational philosophies, types of educational programs, the relation of education to the individual and society, and curriculum and instruction. Some consideration of the relevance of regular education to special education and education of deaf and hard of hearing students. Discussion of organizations and agencies related to education.
An introduction to the major features of languages and to the structure, use, and variation in the sign languages and sign systems commonly used in the United States. The course will cover four major topics: (1) Language: The nature and definition of languages, the uniqueness of language, and contrasts between language and other forms of communication; (2) Language and Culture: The role of language in human society, with special focus on language acquisition, language identity, and bilingualism; (3) American Sign Language Structure: A survey of the major features of the linguistic structure of ASL. Topics are: Phonology: the structure of the physical signals; Morphology: the basic structure and composition of meaningful units of ASL; Syntax: word order and nonmanual syntactic signals in ASL sentences; (4) Language Variation: Language variation and language contact in the deaf community, including discussions of contact varieties of signing and systems for representing English.
An introduction to the scientific study of human behavior, providing an overview of the major issues, methods, and contributions of psychology. Content areas include development, language, learning, cognition, physiological psychology intelligence, and abnormal and social psychology.
Required major and related courses 62 hours
Pre-professional Component
This course is designed to provide students with a foundational understanding of the theories, research and literature in the area of language and literacy acquisition and learning. Students will examine their own beliefs and processes related to language and literacy acquisition and learning. This course will prepare students for subsequent courses that address literacy teaching and learning in the classroom and the home courses.
The focus of this course is on the interactions between young learners and the physical and social environments encountered in parent-infant programs, preschool, kindergarten, and primary settings. Students will learn how to organize, plan, create, and modify environments for optimal learning. 40 clock hours of related practicum experience are required.
The course addresses the application of psychological principles to the educational setting. Topics include learning theory, cognition and memory, individualized instruction, human development, intelligence, creativity, exceptionality, motivation, discipline, and measurement and evaluation.
This course is the first part of a two-semester course sequence with MAT 172. This course is designed for prospective early childhood and elementary school teachers. The contents of this course include concepts and theories underlying early childhood and elementary school mathematics. The students will explore the ''why'' behind the mathematical concepts, ideas, and procedures. Topics include problem solving, whole numbers and numeration, whole numbers operations and properties, number theory, fractions, decimals, ratio and proportion, and integers.
This course is the second part of a two-semester course sequence with MAT 171. This course is designed for prospective early childhood and elementary school teachers. The contents of this course include concepts and theories underlying early childhood and elementary school mathematics. The students will explore the ''why'' behind the mathematical concepts, ideas and procedures. Topics include rational and real numbers, introduction to algebra, Euclidean and solid geometry, statistics, and probability.
This course examines physical, emotional, social, cognitive, and language development from conception to the end of childhood. We will analyze the complexity of factors that contribute to developmental outcomes, including transactions between genetic and environmental factors. Developmental theory and research evidence will be used to address the well-being of children in the US and around the globe, with specific attention to inequities related to race, class, language, and culture.
Professional Component
EDU 600: optional – may count as free elective hours
In this course, the Undergraduate Education program students spend at least 36 hours serving and aiding teachers in a public school program. This course will address integrating content (Language Arts and Social Studies) and require students to apply what is learned in the previous coursework to practicum situations in school sites. Regular group seminars are held to discuss, analyze, and reflect on educational topics related to teaching. This course prepares students for a subsequent student teaching experience.
This course will familiarize students with the nature and importance of curriculum in education from K-12. The course also provides an initial experience in integrated curriculum planning that incorporates the use of current technologies. Current theories of assessment, curriculum, instruction and learning across diverse educational settings are applied in classroom laboratory settings. Content assessments and evaluation in the candidate area(s) of study are emphasized. Field experience in a school setting is a required part of this course.
This course provides an introduction to the field of early childhood education. The course will include the study of the foundations of early childhood education including: theories, models, evidence-based practices, issues and developmentally appropriate practice. In addition, the course will address the role of the teacher, families, and other professionals in supporting young children (ages 3-8).
This course for teacher candidates specializing in early childhood provides an integration of literacy theory and research, content-based instructional practices, and assessment and evaluation cycles for diverse learners including ASL-English bilingual learners, English language learners (ELL), struggling readers and writers, and students with disabilities. In this course, candidates explore in depth an integrated approach to the study of early childhood literacy, curriculum building, methods and materials for literacy instruction, including language development, reading and writing.
This course emphasizes developmental learning environments, materials, and experiences for teaching young children, birth through preschool. Focus will be on curriculum based in home-school interactions, as well as the integration of language arts, reading, science, social studies, mathematics, and creative expression. 20 hours of related field experience required.
This course emphasizes developmental learning environments, materials, and experiences for teaching young children, 6 to 8 years of age. Focus will be on curriculum based in home-school interactions, as well as the integration of all subject areas (social studies, mathematics, language arts, reading, arts, science, and physical education). 30 hours of related field experience is required.
This course is the final professional experience in the early childhood education program and is a required field experience in a school classroom for a period of ten weeks under the supervision of the classroom teacher (cooperating teacher) and a University Supervisor. During the course, the candidate will take responsibility for planning, teaching, and evaluating all aspects of the classroom program. Candidates co-register for and attend a required weekly seminar held weekly on campus for purposes of common problems and/or concerns, and exchange of useful teaching experiences.
Students will learn about the current curriculum, content, materials, and methodologies utilized by educators in the elementary school mathematics curriculum. Students will explore methodological principles and apply them by developing lesson plans, a mathematics portfolio, activities, and projects. Observation, laboratory activities and participation in a field experience are included in the course. Students will learn mathematics by doing mathematics using Childhood Education International (ACEI) & Elementary Education Standards and Supporting (EESS).
An in-depth study of children's literature primarily for early childhood and secondary education majors. Focuses on the evaluation, selection, and sharing of children's and young adult books in instructional settings. Participants will read, respond to, and evaluate picture books and chapter books of various genres. Emphasizes the identification and teaching of literary elements in context, strategies for sharing books with children, and the importance of using authentic children's and young's adult literature in schools.
This course is designed to familiarize students with the identification of exceptional children in terms of developmental needs, interpretation of assessment data, development and evaluation of appropriate intervention strategies for the regular classroom teacher, and legislation in special education. This course will prepare teacher candidates to work with children and youth with a broad range of disabilities and educational needs. Topics will include understanding disability; understanding principles of legislation and curriculum and instruction; establishing positive learning environments; and working collaboratively.
The student teaching seminar is a capstone course in which student teachers in the Undergraduate Education Program meet regularly as a group to discuss, analyze, reflect upon and resolve classroom issues that occur during their full-time internship experiences with hearing students. This course is designed to be taken in tandem with Student Teaching. Students will be participating in student teaching at various clinical sites every weekday for 10 weeks. Educational topics related to assessment, classroom management, certification, portfolio development, and related areas are covered in depth.
Related elective courses 9 hours
Choose 3 hours from each of the following areas for a total of 9 hours, in consultation with departmental advisors:
Creativity
An introduction to clay as an artistic medium. A variety of pots will be constructed using the following hand-building techniques: pinch, coil, slab, and compression. Three-dimensional design principles will be emphasized.
This course focuses on methodology and practice of educational drama applied to multidisciplinary learning within the first through sixth grade curricula. Students will be introduced to theme and story based improvisation, story dramatization, role play, and teacher-in-role strategies, and learn how to adapt activities for children with special needs. Curricular areas include language arts, social studies, science, and math, with additional focus on examining emotional development, and creativity. Current trends in assessment of drama will also be explored. Resources will include multiethnic themes, stories, and folklore.
Health and Wellness
This course will cover teaching and leading theories and techniques necessary for planning and delivering physical activities and wellness programs that foster health enhancing active participation, within a comprehensive school environment. Emphasis is given to the principles of motor development; assessment techniques; and the psychom*otor, cognitive, psychological, and social developmental needs of children of various ages, diversity, and abilities. Also included is an overview of the many education, community, and government organizations that provide and advocate for health enhancing physical activity participation.
The course includes scientific principles, and teaching methodology necessary for the modification of physical education programs, sport, or recreational activities to meet the developmental needs and capabilities of students with diverse abilities. Emphasis is given to the principles of motor development; assessment techniques; developmental needs; psychom*otor, cognitive, psychological, and social characteristics of individuals with various disabilities; legal requirements; resources for participation in community sport and recreation programs; and developing appropriate instructional and behavioral strategies for an inclusive or adapted activity learning environment.
Diversity/Social Justice
This course examines various forms of oppression by looking across different cultures and communities, then examines possible parallels occurring within the deaf community.
This course will introduce students to the field of Disability Studies. As an emerging interdisciplinary field of study, Disability Studies does not approach disability as a ''medical condition, but as a human condition'' (Charlton). Instead of studying the causes and rehabilitation of persons with disabilities, we will explore the historical, social, political, religious, philosophical, and cultural influences that ''construct'' the category of ''disability.'' We will also examine how persons with disabilities construct their own meanings and identities.
The diverse beliefs of nations and classes, world divisions, and the racial rivalry reflected in various systems of law and politics all give changing meaning to such phrases as human rights and fundamental freedoms. This course will look at these rights and freedoms within the different belief systems, world divisions, and racial rivalries. Special attention will be given to the deaf communities in United States and their struggle to achieve full human rights and freedom.
This course provides students an opportunity for examination of personal attitudes, stereotypes, biases, and misconceptions that affect ethnic-competent professional practice. Attention is given to increasing students' knowledge, understanding, appreciation, and sensitivity to diversity, oppression, and racism, and the implications of each for social work and other human services. While the course addresses the cognitive and conceptual aspects of learning, primary emphasis is on the affective process. In addition to learning about racism, discrimination, power/powerlessness, and ethnocentrism, students participate in experiential groups and role play. These exercises provide opportunities to explore new ways of thinking, feeling, and responding to people who experience discrimination or oppression because of their race, ethnic background, gender, age, disability, or sexual orientation, or because they are deaf or hard of hearing.
Students will complete field experiences in conjunction with the courses below. These field experience hours do not count in the summary of requirements for the specialization. Students will be required to pay a fee for suitability background checks prior to their initial field experiences in the program. The courses with field experiences include:
Required
EDU 320, EDU 609, and EDU 624: 20 clock hours
EDU 621, EDU 622 and EDU 626: 30 clock hours
The focus of this course is on the interactions between young learners and the physical and social environments encountered in parent-infant programs, preschool, kindergarten, and primary settings. Students will learn how to organize, plan, create, and modify environments for optimal learning. 40 clock hours of related practicum experience are required.
This course for teacher candidates specializing in early childhood provides an integration of literacy theory and research, content-based instructional practices, and assessment and evaluation cycles for diverse learners including ASL-English bilingual learners, English language learners (ELL), struggling readers and writers, and students with disabilities. In this course, candidates explore in depth an integrated approach to the study of early childhood literacy, curriculum building, methods and materials for literacy instruction, including language development, reading and writing.
This course emphasizes developmental learning environments, materials, and experiences for teaching young children, birth through preschool. Focus will be on curriculum based in home-school interactions, as well as the integration of language arts, reading, science, social studies, mathematics, and creative expression. 20 hours of related field experience required.
This course emphasizes developmental learning environments, materials, and experiences for teaching young children, 6 to 8 years of age. Focus will be on curriculum based in home-school interactions, as well as the integration of all subject areas (social studies, mathematics, language arts, reading, arts, science, and physical education). 30 hours of related field experience is required.
Program Outcomes
Based on the Council of Exceptional Children (CEC) Standards and Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (INTASC) Principles
Standard 1: Learner Development:The teacher candidate understands how learners grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas, and values the perspectives of the child, their family, and the community.
Standard 2: Learning Differences:The teacher candidate uses understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures, languages, and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that are developmentally appropriate and provide challenging learning experiences for each and every learner to achieve their highest potential.
Standard 3: Learning Environments:The teacher candidate works independently and with others to create environments that support individual and group learning, and that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement, and self-motivation.
Standard 4: Content Knowledge:The teacher candidate understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the disciplines he or she teaches and creates learning experiences that make these aspects of the discipline accessible and meaningful for each and every learner.
Standard 5: Application of Content:The teacher candidate understands how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, evaluation, and collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues.
Standard 6: Assessment:The teacher understands and uses multiple methods of assessment to engage learners in their own growth, monitor learner progress, and guide the teacher's and learner's decision-making.
Standard 7: Planning for Instruction:The teacher candidate plans instruction that supports each and every student in meeting rigorous learning goals by drawing upon knowledge of content areas curriculum, cross-disciplinary skills, and pedagogy as well as knowledge of learners and the community context.
Standard 8: Instructional Strategies:The teacher candidate uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop a deep understanding of content areas and their connections, and the critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed to apply knowledge in meaningful ways.
Standard 9: Reflection, Professional Learning, and Ethical Practice:The teacher candidate engages in ongoing reflection and professional learning and uses evidence to evaluate practice, particularly the effects of the teacher candidate's choices and actions on others (learners, families, other professionals, and the community, and adapts practice to meet the needs of the learner.
Standard 10: Leadership, Advocacy, and Collaboration:The teacher candidate seeks appropriate advocacy and leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for student learning to collaborate with learners, families, colleagues, other school professionals, and community members to ensure learner growth.
Standard 11: Technology:The teacher candidate uses knowledge of effective multimedia communication techniques to foster active inquiry, collaboration, and accessibility to support interaction in the classroom.
Standard 12: Literacy and Numeracy:The teacher candidate applies a variety of instructional strategies to develop and enhance the literacy and numeracy skills of each and every learner including the use of multiple representations and explanations to present ideas and concepts.
Accreditation
Gallaudet University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) and recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a Title IV approved institution. The Gallaudet University B.A. Education: Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or Secondary Education program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Preparation (CAEP) organization. The program is also approved by the District of Columbia State Education Agency (SEA) and licensed by the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC). In compliance with the U.S. Department of Education and the District of Columbia Higher Education Licensure Commission (HELC) requirements for participation in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA), Gallaudet University provides information pertaining to this program and teacher educator licensure within each of the U.S. states and territories. This program is designed to meet the educational requirements for teacher educator licensure in the District of Columbia. If your intent is to secure licensure outside of Washington, D.C., then BEFORE beginning Gallaudet University's program, use the drop-down list below and select the state or territory in which licensure is intended. This will help you determine whether Gallaudet has obtained confirmation from the state or territory to formally identify whether the Gallaudet B.A. Education: Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or Secondary Education program meets, does not meet or cannot be confirmed as meeting the educational requirements for licensure.
Support
LIcensure Disclosure: B.A. in Education – Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or Secondary Education
Gallaudet's Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or Secondary Education program is designed to meet the educational requirements for teacher educator licensure in the District of Columbia. It is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, approved by the District of Columbia Office of the State Superintendent of Education, and licensed by the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification.
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Teacher Education Student Learning Outcomes
Gallaudet University's teacher education student learning outcomes are based on the CEC and INTASC principles. These are the 12 standards Gallaudet graduates are expected to demonstrate.
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Job Outlook
High School Teacher
The employment for High School Teachers is expected to grow at a 4% rate from 2019 to 2029, with an average salary of $62,870. Learn more about a career as a high school teacher.
Education, Training, and Library Occupations
The employment of Education, Training, and Library Occupations are expected to grow by a 5% rate from 2019-2029, with an average annual salary of $52,380. Learn more about career opportunities in education, training, and library occupations.
Elementary and Middle School Teachers
The employment of Elementary and Middle School Teachers is expected to grow by a 12% rate from 2019-2029, with an average annual salary of $60,660. Learn more about career opportunities in teaching.
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Bobbie Kite
Associate Professor/UG Program Director
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