State Early Childhood Education

Certificate of Completion

Credits: 50  |   Length of Program: 1-3 quarters

Subject: Early Childhood Education

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Early Childhood Education - State Early Childhood Education Certificate

The Early Childhood Education Associate in Applied Science Degree is 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.  

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Career Opportunities

Men and women with an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Early Childhood Education 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.  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.

Program Outcomes
  • Critically thinking in order to analyze, evaluate and solve problems using multiple methodologies
  • Having multicultural awareness through 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
Ed Plan / Class List
Required Courses

Initial and Short Certificate, Plus 27 credits from the following:

ENGL&101 English Composition I 5 Credits Search Schedule
Develops writing skills by focusing on strategies and techniques writers use to convey ideas, evaluate information, make a point, and participate in multiple discourse communities. Emphasizes both the process and the product of writing. This course was formerly known as WRIT 101, College Writing I. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement test scores OR appropriate completion of ENGL 095, ENGL 095X, or ENGL 098 OR concurrent enrollment in ENGL 110 with instructor's permission.
Distribution: AA, AAS, AS, DTA, COMMUNICATION, GER-CIS, AA-AAS-T-COMMUNICATION, AAS-COMMUNICATION: Reading/Writing, AAS-READING-WRITING
Or above

MATH100 Mathematics for Early Childhood Educators 5 Credits Search Schedule
Focuses on math concepts appropriate for early childhood educators. Emphasizes activity-based methods for age-appropriate mathematics as established by national mathematics standards through conceptual understanding, connections among topics, and communication of mathematical thinking. Prerequisite: Appropriate placement test score or a "C" or better in MATH 092 or equivalent.
Distribution: AAS, AAS-COMPUTATION

(Quantitative or computational Math above 100 or designated Q/SR)

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
-OR-
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.

 

State Initial Early Childhood Education

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.

 

Plus 8 credits from one of the following:

General

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.

OR

Infant and Toddlers

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
ECED&132 Infants/Toddlers Care 3 Credits Search Schedule
Examines the unique developmental needs of infants and toddlers. Covers the role of the caregiver, relationships with families, developmentally appropriate practices, nurturing environments for infants and toddlers, and culturally retentive care. Prerequisite: None.

OR

School Age Care

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&136 School Age Care 3 Credits Search Schedule
Introduces skills to provide developmentally appropriate and culturally relevant activities/care for children ages 5-12 in a variety of settings. Prerequisite: None.

OR

Family Child Care

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
ECED&134 Family Child Care 3 Credits Search Schedule
Prepares students to manage a family childcare program. Examines requirements in licensing, record-keeping, relationship building, communication strategies, guiding behavior, and promoting growth and development. Prerequisite: None.

OR

Administration

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
ECED&139 Administrative Early Learning Program 3 Credits Search Schedule
Introduces administrative skills required to develop, operate, manage and improve early childhood education and care programs. Introduces basic business management skills, and how to build resources and supports for meeting Washington State licensing and professional NAEYC standards. Prerequisite: None.

Cost of Program / Financial Aid

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Application Process / How to Apply

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Revision Date: 
March 19, 2019