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- Early Childhood
Education

- Psychology

- Theology & Philosophy

- Visual Communications

Center for Community Engagement

Early Childhood Education

What is it?

Do you enjoy working with and teaching young children? This practical degree combines the study of early child development, learning theories and classroom experience while also helping you understand faith formation in young people.

What’s special about Early Childhood Education at Trinity?

You will participate in a junior-year practicum and senior-year field experience that provide up to 800 hours of practical experience in your field. And, class sizes are small, so you get individualized attention from professors who get to know you well.

What degree will I get?

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Early Childhood Education

What can I do with it?

Teach in an early childhood learning center. Be a preschool director. Run a childcare center. Work in a church. Obtain a position in a community agency working with young children. Pursue graduate studies in teaching or administration.

Resume-building internships:

Early learning centers for children 0-5
Pre-school and kindergarten classrooms
Educational organizations working with young children (libraries, museums, etc.)
Non-profit community agencies serving children
International mission organizations

Program Faculty

Professors in the Early Childhood Education program have diverse backgrounds in early learning, child development, teaching methods, and program administration. All have professional training in their field and they share a common passion: facilitating the holistic development of young children. Learn more about our ECE faculty team and department head Sue Houglum.

Course Sampling

ECED 110 Theory and Practice of Early Learning: This course explores the history of early learning with an introductory look at developmental and learning theories. You will examine current issues and brain research, practice observation and evaluation skills, and learn the process of lesson planning in an early childhood setting.

ECED 305 Children’s Language, Literacy and Literature: You will explore the historical and contemporary works of literature for children, toddlers through age 12. You will survey the history of children’s literature, its impact on child development, and the cultural and social diversity in books – then write and design your own children’s book!

ECED 210 Child Growth and Development: This course explores basic principles of child development, with special attention to the infant, preschool, and elementary school age child. You will study the various stages of human development, factors influencing growth and learning, gender diversity, the role of play in development, and the implications of spiritual nurture in the growth of children.