Early Childhood Education - Associate in Applied Science - T

Social Services & Education Pathway

99-101 Credits | 9 Quarters

Pathway at a Glance

You're passionate about improving others' lives—whether you're educating young minds, helping others get in shape, or observing human interaction, you can begin making a difference with our Social Services and Education Pathway.

The Early Childhood Education degrees are designed to provide persons interested in working with children a systematic study of the care, development, and education of children from birth to age eight. Students gain the knowledge and competency necessary for a professional career working with young children.

Students will demonstrate an understanding of the key elements of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators (naeyc.org) and the Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families Core Competencies for Early Care and Education Professionals (dcyf.wa.gov/)

Courses by Quarter

Quarter Plan:

Quarter 1

Transition Studies Students have several options for their starting point. Some students may start in our Transition Studies programs: Adult Basic Education, English as a Second Language, Digital Literacy, and High School+.

Quarter 2

MATH092 Mathematical Reasoning 5 Credits Search Schedule

Introduces operations with rational numbers, applications and problem solving skills, expressions, solving linear equations, and graphing linear relationships. Prerequisite: Qualifying placement for MATH 092 or ABE 065 or an "S" in ABE 064.

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ABE065 Contextualized Math II Search Schedule

Introduces operations with rational numbers, applications and problem solving skills, expressions, solving linear equations, and graphing linear relationships through direct instruction and contextualized application. Prepares students for high school completion, employment, or MATH& 107/MATH& 146 with concurrent MATH 096 enrollment. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement or an "S" in ABE 064 or a "U, P, V, W" in ABE 065.

ENGL090 Integrated Reading and Writing I 5 Credits Search Schedule

Introduces students to college-level reading and writing. Focuses on reading strategies, critical thinking, and writing unified paragraphs. ENGL 090 classes are combined with ENGL 095 classes, and students who demonstrate ENGL 095 proficiency may earn ENGL 095 credit. Prerequisite: ABE 055 or ESL 066 or qualifying placement.

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ENGL095 Integrated Reading and Writing II 5 Credits Search Schedule

Prepares students for entry into college-level writing courses. Focuses on reading analytically, thinking critically, and writing coherent, well-supported texts. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement based on Reading & English CPT scores or transition test.

Quarter 3

ECED&105 Introduction to Early Childhood Education 5 Credits Search Schedule

Explores the foundations of early childhood education. Examines theories defining the field, issues, trends, best practices, and program models. Observes children, professionals and programs in action. Prerequisite: None.
Distribution: AA, AS, DTA, SOCIAL SCIENCE, NURSING SOCIAL SCIENCE, AA-AAS-T-SOCIAL SCIENCE

ECED&107 Health/Safety/Nutrition 5 Credits Search Schedule

Introduces implementation of equitable health, safety, and nutrition standards for the growing child in group care. Focuses on federal Child Care Block Grant funding (CCDF) requirements, WA State licensing, and Head Start Performance standards. Emphasizes skills necessary to keep children healthy and safe, to report abuse and neglect, and to connect families to community resources. Prerequisite: None.

ECED&120 Practicum-Nurturing Relationship 2 Credits Search Schedule

Engages in establishing nurturing, supportive relationships with all children and professional peers in an early learning setting. Focuses on children's health and safety, promoting growth and development, and creating a culturally responsive environment. 30 hours in ECE setting required. Prerequisite: None.

CCS101 Pathways to Success 3 Credits Search Schedule

Cultivates the mind-set and skills necessary for students to become confident, reflective, self-directing, and successful learners. Prerequisite: None.

Quarter 4

ENGL098 Transitional English Composition 5 Credits Search Schedule

Introduces strategies and techniques writers use to convey ideas and participate in multiple discourse communities. Focuses on both the process and product of composing. English 098 classes are combined with English 101 classes, and students who demonstrate English 101 proficiency may earn ENGL& 101 credit. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement OR a "C" or better in ENGL 095.

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ENGL&101 English Composition I 5 Credits Search Schedule

Develops strategies and techniques writers use to convey ideas and participate in multiple discourse communities. Focuses on both the process and product of composing. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement OR a "B-" or better in ENGL 095 OR a "C" or better in ENGL 098.
Distribution: AA, AAS, AS, DTA, COMMUNICATION, GER-CIS, AA-AAS-T-COMMUNICATION, AAS-COMMUNICATION: Reading/Writing, AAS-READING-WRITING

EDUC&115 Child Development 5 Credits Search Schedule

Introduces the foundation for explaining how children develop in all domains, conception through early adolescence. Explores various developmental theories, methods for documenting growth, and impact of brain development. Prerequisite: None.
Distribution: AA, AS, DTA, SOCIAL SCIENCE, NURSING SOCIAL SCIENCE, AA-AAS-T-SOCIAL SCIENCE

EDUC&130 Guiding Behavior 3 Credits Search Schedule

Examines the principles and theories promoting social competence in young children. Introduces creating safe learning environments, developing skills promoting effective interactions, providing positive individual guidance, and enhancing group experiences. Prerequisite: None.

ECED&180 Lang/Literacy Develop 3 Credits Search Schedule

Introduces strategies for language acquisition and literacy skill development at each developmental stage (birth-age 8) through the four interrelated areas of speaking, listening, writing, and reading. Prerequisite: None.

Quarter 5

Choose One: 5-7cr (Quantitative)

CMATH107 CLIPPERS Math in Society 5 Credits Search Schedule

Accelerated course that gives students the opportunity to complete MATH 095 and MATH& 107 in one quarter. Explores a variety of mathematical topics presenting mathematics as an art in its own right and as a tool for understanding the world around us. Specific topics may be drawn from geometry, number theory, set theory, and the history of mathematics. Students will earn credit for either MATH 095 or MATH& 107 at the conclusion of the course. Designed for non-science majors. CLIPPERS courses combine the prerequisite course with the college-level course. These classes are taught in a computer lab with a focus on in-class activities and video-based instruction. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement or a "C" or better in MATH 092 or an "S" in ABE 065.

Includes ability to complete:
MATH 095 Intermediate Algebra Essentials
MATH& 107 Math in Society

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CMATH146 CLIPPERS Introduction to Statistics 7 Credits Search Schedule

Accelerated class that gives students the opportunity to complete MATH 095, MATH 096, and MATH& 146 in one quarter. Covers basic probability and descriptive and inferential statistics. Students will earn credit for either MATH 095 and MATH 096 or MATH 096 and MATH& 146 at the conclusion of the course. CLIPPERS courses combine the prerequisite course with the college-level course. These classes are taught in a computer lab with a focus on in-class activities and video-based instruction. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement or a "C" or better in MATH 092 or an "S" in ABE 065.

Includes ability to complete:
MATH 095 Intermediate Algebra Essentials
MATH 096 Applied Algebra Topics
MATH&146 Introduction to Statistics
Some students may place directly into MATH& 107 or MATH& 146

EDUC240 Diversity in Education: Diversity 5 Credits Search Schedule

Explores diversity and social justice issues influencing educational settings. Students will examine in depth the historical and current impact of children's, teachers', and families' cultural, social, and political context in schools. Was formerly known as ECED 235, Educating Young Children in a Diverse Society: Diversity. Prerequisite: None.
Distribution: DIVERSITY

ECED&170 Environments-Young Child 3 Credits Search Schedule

Examines the adult's role in designing, evaluating, and improving indoor and outdoor environments that ensure quality learning, nurturing experiences, and optimize the development of young children. Prerequisite: None.

ECED&190 Observation/Assessment 3 Credits Search Schedule

Introduces how to collect and record observation and assessment data in order to plan for and support the child, the family, the group, and the community. Uses reflection techniques, summarizing conclusions, and communicating findings. Requires 8 hours of observation time outside of class hours. Prerequisite: None.

Quarter 6

ENGL&102 Composition II 5 Credits Search Schedule

Develops reading, writing and critical thinking skills at the advanced level. Teaches how to write academic papers by conducting research; analyzing, evaluating and constructing arguments; documenting sources and using appropriate writing conventions. Prerequisite: Completion of ENGL& 101 with a "C" or better.
Distribution: AA, AS, DTA, COMMUNICATION, AA-AAS-T-COMMUNICATION

EDUC&204 Inclusive Education 5 Credits Search Schedule

Introduces recognition and identification of exceptionality in children from birth through high school. Explores policies and regulations concerning state and federal provisions of special education and related services, as well as adaptations for serving students with special needs in general education classrooms. Requires 10 hours of observation time outside of class hours. Prerequisite: Eligible for ENGL 098 or ENGL& 101.

EDUC&150 Child/Family/Community 3 Credits Search Schedule

Examines how teachers integrate into education programs the family and community contexts in which a child develops. Explores cultures and demographics of families, community resources, strategies for involving families in the education of their child, and tools for effective communication. Prerequisite: None.

ECED145 Fine Arts Curriculum for Young Children 3 Credits Search Schedule

Introduces teaching methods and curriculum development for children from birth to age eight in art, drama, and music. Explores the role of fine arts curriculum in social emotional, physical, cognitive, creative, and aesthetic development. Nonrefundable supply fee: $20.00. Prerequisite: None.

Quarter 7

ECED205 Practicum II 3 Credits Search Schedule

Provides students the opportunity to practice guidance techniques, powerful interactions with children, and working cooperatively with staff. Students participate in 60 hours of supervised observation in a single early childhood education (ECE) setting. 1 hour seminar per week. Prerequisite: ECED& 120, EDUC& 115 and EDUC& 130.

ECED141 Math and Science Curriculum for Young Children 3 Credits Search Schedule

Introduces the process of curriculum construction for teaching mathematical and science concepts for children from birth to age eight. Includes theory and practical skills for providing developmentally appropriate math and science experiences. Prerequisite: None.

ECED&160 Curriculum Development 5 Credits Search Schedule

Investigate learning theory, program planning, and tools for curriculum development promoting language, fine/gross motor, social-emotional, cognitive and creative skills and growth in young children (birth-age 8). Requires 10 hours of observation time outside of class hours. This course was formerly known as ECE 240. Prerequisite: None.

Quarter 8

ECED250 Practicum III 4 Credits Search Schedule

Explores techniques in supervising groups of children and working as a staff member. Students will also apply skills by teaching under supervision in an early childhood education (ECE) setting for 75 hours per quarter Prerequisite: ECED 205 and instructor's permission.

ECED238 Professionalism 3 Credits Search Schedule

Explores professional behavior and resources in early childhood education. Students will also learn reflective teaching and mentoring practices. Prerequisite: Instructor's permission.

Choose One: 5cr (Humanities)

HUM121 Multicultural America: Diversity 5 Credits Search Schedule

Explores the history, cultures, and contributions of various race and ethnic groups in the United States and the complex notion of an "American" identity throughout U.S. history. Emphasizes the impacts of power, privilege, and socialization on our understanding of race and ethnicity in the American context. Prerequisite: Eligible for ENGL 098 or ENGL& 101.
Distribution: AA, AAS, AS, DTA, DIVERSITY, HUMANITIES, NURSING HUMANITIES, AAS-HUMAN RELATIONS, AA-AAS-T-HUMANITIES, HUMANITIES-CULTURAL-4QTR, HUMANITIES-CULTURAL-5QTR, FPA-Hum-Qtr 6-7-8

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Quarter 9

Choose One: 5cr (Humanities)

HUM121 Multicultural America: Diversity 5 Credits Search Schedule

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Print Pathway Map

Program Student Learning Outcomes

At the completion for the Early Childhood Education Program, the successful student will be able to:

Critically thinking in order to analyze, evaluate and solve problems using multiple methodologies
Having multicultural awareness thru exhibiting an understanding of the ways economic, political, social, and culture factors impact identity and interactions
Computation through identification, understanding and communicating the differences between quantitative and qualitative date and be able to explain results
Demonstrating ethics through identifying complex ethical issues and recognizing and evaluating interrelationships of related issues
Communicating effectively through written and verbal communications skills

Helpful Notes

Career Opportunities

Graduates with an AAS-T degree can qualify for positions as preschool teacher, child care director, child care program supervisor, child care provider, non-certified early childhood teacher, or elementary school classroom aide/paraeducator and may transfer to articulated four year college and university degree programs such as Early Childhood, Human Development and Social Services. This degree transfers to BAS programs in teacher education for those that want to earn a teaching certificate and teach in the K-12 classrooms. These BAS programs are especially designed to give students an endorsement in Early Childhood along with their primary certificate making them highly qualified to teach in Preschool through third grade classrooms. See ECE Faculty for more information. Graduates may be employed by child care centers, cooperative preschools, family child care homes, parks and recreation departments, private preschools, public schools and state and federally funded preschools.

Other Program Information

State Stackable State Certificate Requirements
Prerequisite for Short Certificate of Specialization: Completed Initial Certificate
Prerequisite for State Early Childhood Education Certificate: Completed Initial Certificate and Short Certificate of Specialization

Electives
If any of the required courses have been waived, select courses with the assistance of an advisor to complete the 94-credit minimum requirement.

Program Information
The Early Childhood Education AAS-T degree can be completed in three years attending evenings only or in two years with a combination of day and evening courses. The majority of ECED and EDUC courses meet in the evening. Practicums (ECED& 120, ECED 205 and ECED 250) require daytime hours. Many ECED and EDUC courses require observation hours in addition to class time. See course outlines for details. Students can enter the program any quarter but are strongly encouraged to start with the Initial State Certificate and meet with an ECE advisor for detailed information necessary for planning their degree. Contact (360) 596-5378 for advising day information.

Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university should work closely with an advisor to ensure maximum transfer of credits.
ECED& 107 requires CPR/First Aid and a Food Handlers Cards be obtained while taking this class.
To successfully complete the practicum experiences in ECED& 120, ECED 205 and ECED 250, students will volunteer in a Head Start, school or child care center which will require a Department of Early Learning portable background check and requires a tuberculosis test.
ECED/EDUC courses may be taken in any order, except ECED 205, ECED 250 and ECED 238. It is recommended but not necessary to take ECED& 105 first. It is recommended but not necessary to get the ECE stackable certificates while obtaining your ECE degree.
“C” or better must be obtained in all courses with an EDUC or ECED prefix to apply to the ECE degree or certificate.
It is possible to receive up to 12 credits toward the degree for students having a Child Development Associate (C.D.A.) credential. See advisor for details.
An alternative pathway is the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree which can be used as an upside down pathway to enter The Evergreen State College.

Revision Date:

Monday, April 25, 2022