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Early Childhood Education Foundations (Certificate)

18 Credits  |   Main Campus

Preparation to work with children birth to age eight while earning credits towards a future Master's Degree.

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This Graduate Certificate in Early Childhood Education Foundations prepares you to work with children from pre-kindergarten to third grade. Coursework covers how schools and families interact to influence development and learning, the foundations of how children learn, strategies to help young children acquire language and literacy skills, and techniques for observing and assessing growth. You’ll learn to recognize and adapt to students’ needs, interests and readiness levels through innovative, research-based pedagogical practices.

Trinity has small class sizes for individualized attention and faculty teach foundational knowledge in an applied format, integrating your work and life experiences with the course information.

Trinity’s faculty have extensive experience in a variety of early childhood education areas and will teach you the skills needed to enhance the education of students in pre-kindergarten to third grade settings.

Credit Towards Your Future Master’s Degree

Gaining a certificate from an accredited university can advance your career and put you a step closer to earning a degree. All coursework can be transferred and applied towards a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education at Trinity.

What You’ll Learn

  • Human development from prenatal period through adulthood examining the relationships among the biological, cognitive, social, and psychological domains
  • Components of working with students with special needs, their families, and related service providers to ensure an understanding of individual learning styles
  • Learn the administration and interpretation of assessments for emergent and early literacy as a necessary component of planning effective instruction and learning opportunities

Local Internships

  • Martha’s Table
  • Gesher Jewish Day school
  • Kipp DC

Global Careers

  • Early childhood educator (teaching endorsement for grades preK-3)
  • Director of Childcare Center
  • Childcare Provider

Contact Your Recruiter

Request Info

You May Also be Interested in These Programs

Students interested in Early Childhood Education Foundations (Certificate) are sometimes interested in these other Trinity programs:

Certificate
Education Policy

Master’s Degree
Early Childhood Education

Master’s Degree
Elementary Education

Applying to the Early Childhood Education Foundations (Certificate) Program

Applying to Trinity is free, and Trinity reviews each application as soon as it is complete: you’ll get our decision right away.

We’re here to help at 202-884-9400 or admissions@trinitydc.edu.

Apply Now

School of Education Graduate Certificates Admissions Requirements

Applying to the School of Education (EDU) is a 6- step process:

  • Step One: Apply to Trinity
  • Step Two: Submit Two (2) Professional References
  • Step Three: Submit Curriculum Vitae/Resume
  • Step Four: Statement of Purpose
  • Step Five: Submit Official Transcript w/ Conferred Bachelor’s Degree Date.  International Transcripts must be evaluated prior to submission
  • Step Six: Once your application is submitted, use your log-in credentials to check your status

Admissions Criteria:

  • Priority Admission Given to applicants with a 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
  • Applicants must note certificate programs are designed for educators and education professionals.
  • Praxis Core is NOT required for admittance to the certificate programs. However, all certificate coursework does transfer to the MAT and students wishing to continue to the MAT will need to submit passing Praxis Core scores OR demonstrate they have an undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 OR submit passing scores on the SAT, GRE and ACT scores.
  • Students must submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended at the undergraduate level. Transcripts submitted directly from an applicant are considered unofficial unless received in the original, unopened envelope from the issuing institution.
  • The first professional reference should be in support of the application testifying to the applicant’s aptitude for graduate education and potential for professional growth and development. The second reference should be written by supervisory personnel such as a principal or department chair.
  • For the admissions team to become better acquainted with you, please submit a one to two-page personal statement. In a self-appraisal, identify your strengths and how you believe they will serve as an asset to the academic program of your choosing. Additionally, identify and address any areas of weakness that you hope to strengthen throughout your course of study. Finally, discuss what personal characteristics set you apart from others and will help you achieve success as you pursue your academic and professional goals.
  • Transfer credits may be accepted for a post-baccalaureate certificate program if they meet the student’s planned degree program just as they are for graduate degree programs. Students may transfer up to six total credits in alignment with the certificate curriculum. All other Trinity transfer credit policies apply.
  • Applicants who do not meet the standard admission requirements but who demonstrate potential may be admitted on a provisional basis and may take up to six (6) credits of program course work during their first semester to demonstrate academic preparedness for graduate level studies. A minimum grade of “B” or higher must be earned and official transcripts for course work must be submitted for evaluation in order to be considered for full admission into the Education graduate programs.
  • International Students must adhere to International Student Checklist: https://www2.trinitydc.edu/admissions/international-applicants/