Early Childhood Education - State Early Childhood Education Certificate

Social Services & Education Pathway

50 Credits | 7 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 certificates 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.

Courses by Quarter

Entry Requirements

State Stackable 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.

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.

-OR-

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.

-OR-

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

Fall Quarter

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

Winter Quarter

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.

-OR-

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.

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Quarter 5

Spring Quarter

MATH101 Technical Mathematics I 5 Credits Search Schedule

Covers the theories and applications of mathematics used in technical fields with emphasis on problem solving strategies, measurement, algebra, geometry, unit conversions and the metric system. Prerequisite: Eligible for MATH 092.
Distribution: AAS, AAS-COMPUTATION

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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.

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

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.

Note: (ECED& 170 should be taken if you have received the General Short Certificate)

Quarter 6

Fall Quarter

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.

Short Certificate completion if you don’t choose the General Short Certificate

Quarter 7

WinterQuarter

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.

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

Revision Date:

Wednesday, May 11, 2022