Early Childhood Education

Early Childhood Education Degrees and Courses

Program Description

The Early Childhood Education (ECED) program prepares students for positions working with young children and families in a variety of early care and education settings. Students may pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree (AAS) , an Associate in Education degree (AEd) , a one-year certificate, or multiple program certificates. Graduates of an Early Childhood Education degree are often employed as lead teachers, family home visitors, or administrators in childcare, Head Start, Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP), and preschool programs. Courses meet the criteria addressed in the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Standards for Early Childhood Professional Preparation.

The Associate in Education degree is intended to prepare students for entry into a teacher certification program such as Woodring College of Education at Western Washington University.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Early Childhood Education program will be able to:

Promote child development and learning.
Build family and community relationships.
Observe, document, and assess to support young children and families.
Use developmentally effective approaches to connect with children and families.
Use content knowledge to build meaningful curriculum.

General Education Learning Outcomes

Think

Think analytically, logically, creatively, and reflectively.

Quantify

Apply mathematical skills quantitatively, logically, creatively, and critically.

Communicate

Produce and exchange ideas and information through written, spoken, and visual forms.

Integrate

Apply knowledge, skills, and methodologies from multiple disciplines.

Engage

Interact with humans and the environment informed by an understanding of equity.

Entry into the Program

Students may enter the program at the beginning of any quarter. For specific information, contact Enrollment Services or the Department Chair.

According to Washington State law RCW 43.43.830, any person with a positive criminal history for “crimes against persons” is not allowed to work with children. Background checks of criminal history are required of all students who work with children in any setting. Participants in this program will be required to complete a portable background check with the Department of Children Youth and Families as part of their coursework.

All ECED courses require extensive reading and writing. Students should expect to participate in both individual and group assignments.

Work-Based Learning

Students will integrate classroom learning with work-based learning experience in practicum coursework (ECED& 120 or ECED 223 or EDUC 223 ) at a supervised work site. Department Chair approval is required. Credits and grades are based on job-hours worked, work performance, and completion of the learning objectives specified in the learning contract. A minimum of six credits of Practicum-Nurturing Relationships (ECED& 120 and ECED 223 ) is required for completion of the Early Childhood Education AAS degree.

Program Certificates

The ECED certificates listed below have been aligned with statewide standards to improve transferability. These certificates are “stackable,” i.e. build on each other, beginning with the ECED initial microcertificate, which is equivalent to a Child Development Associate (CDA) certificate, followed by any one of the 20-credit certificates. The State ECED certificate requires taking all of the courses listed for the “stackable” certificates plus the general education courses of ENGL& 101 and WMATH 100 or above.

Micro-Certificates

A certificate is awarded to students who complete requirements with a 2.0 grade point average or above.

Early Childhood Education Degrees and Courses

Programs

Courses

Early Childhood Education