Education programs

A clear eduational pathway, starting with the Child Development Associate (CDA) and ending with a bachelor's degree from either American University or Trinity Washington University.

Child Development Associate (CDA) program

Fully online and self-paced CDA program

Associate Degree program

CDA awardees from American can transfer six credits (one- semester off) towards Trinity's Associate degree

OR

Advance towards a Bachelor’s degree at either university

All credits from the Associate degree tranfers toward a Bachelor's Elementary Education degree at AU or Early Childhood Education degree at Trinity

American University

American University is one of the oldest universities in DC and is ranked as one of the best universities in the country. AU’s CDA program is state-approved and delivers high-quality, fully online, asynchronous, self-paced, coursework through a culturally sustaining perspective for engaging with socially just pedagogies for teaching young children. The curriculum emphasizes teaching Black, Brown, Indigenous, Latinx, and minoritized children.

CDA program benefits:

  • One of the oldest universities in DC, ranked as one of the best universities in the country

  • Easy online registration and start the program anytime

  • Self-paced and online—set your own schedule and learn at your own pace and place

  • Complete in 4-8 months, meet the new minimum qualification for an assistant teacher

  • Dedicated student advisor, one-on-one faculty coach, and assistance to secure practicum site

  • Scholarship opportunities to cover tuition and textbooks

  • Transferable CDA credential can be put toward the Trinity associate’s degree program; seamless transfer, reducing the time required to complete the degree

  • Five courses offered exceeding the 120-clock hour professional education requirement covering all eight CDA subject areas for Infant-Toddler, Preschool, and Family Childcare credential seekers

Trinity Washington University

Trinity Washington University is more than 120 years old and graduates more D.C. residents than any other private college. As an accredited institution, Trinity’s education programs are state-approved and nationally recognized by

  • The National Association for the Education of Young Children (N.A.E.Y.C.)

  • The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (N.C.A.T.E.), and

  • The Council for Professional Recognition as a Gold Standard

Early Childhood Education, AA Degree program benefits:

  • Credits from the associate’s degree program easily transfer into bachelor’s degree program at Trinity or American

  • Scholarship opportunities for tuition and fees

  • Small class sizes allow individualized attention and support from the faculty

  • Classes held conveniently at the THEARC in Southeast DC

  • Hands-on work experience embedded into the program

Are you ready to start?

Take the next step toward achieving your career goals.

We will be your guide to becoming an early childhood educator and help you navigate the journey toward a fulfilling career.

With our support, you can unlock your full potential and make a meaningful impact in the lives of young children.

Let’s begin and aim for the sky!