Are you interested in becoming an early childhood teacher, director of an early childhood center, or opening up your own family child care center? This program will teach you to care for and educate children from zero to eight years old. Designing curriculums, developing positive learning environments, creating developmentally appropriate activities and valuing cultural diversity will be an essential part of your studies.
Our program offers six stackable certificates that align with the Washington state minimum licensing requirements.
This program is offered fully online in English and the initial and short-term certificates are also offered in Spanish in a hybrid modality. Some basic courses also have I-BEST support to increase student support and success.
English: Quarterly, fully online
All program lengths are estimates and are not guarantees. For the most current program information, check with an adviser by calling (425) 235-5840.
These amounts are based on median entry level wages, they are estimates and are not guarantees. For more information, visit careerinfo.net
Tuition
At Renton Technical College, tuition is affordable and competitive.
Financial Aid
Federal aid is available for most students to help pay for school. Fill out your FAFSA now to get started.
Scholarships
The RTC Foundation offers scholarships to help pay the costs of attending school.
All costs are estimates and are not guarantees. For the most current program information, check with an adviser by calling (425) 235-5840.
Entry Requirements
In order to complete the practicum work required for this program you need to be able to:
- PASSING DCYF/MERIT BACKGROUND CHECK REQUIRED
- Pass TB (tuberculosis) testing
- Provide immunization records or exemption documentation
- Provide personal identification
Please note, requirements to work or volunteer in childcare centers are subject to change. Individual childcare centers may have their own qualification requirements. It is best to check with the individual childcare centers for eligibility requirements.
Information Sessions
New Student Orientation:
- TBD
UPDATE: All healthcare students who have clinical rotations, externships and internships must follow the vaccination requirements of the healthcare institution where they will be working-i.e., must be fully vaccinated or have an exemption prior to their clinical rotation, externship or internship experience. Read the latest COVID-19 Allied Health Policy.
Course Information
ECE Initial Certificate
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
| ECED& 105 | Introduction to Early Childhood Education | 5 |
| ECED& 107 | Health, Safety and Nutrition | 5 |
| ECED& 120 | Practicum – Nurturing Relationships | 2 |
| Total for ECE Initial Certificate | 12 |
ECE Short Certificate
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
| ECE Initial Certificate requirements | 12 | |
| EDUC& 115 | Child Development | 5 |
| EDUC& 130 | Guiding Behavior | |
| Total for ECE Short Certificate | 20 |
ECE State Certificate
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
| ECE Short Certificate requirements | 20 | |
| ECED& 160 | Curriculum Development I | 5 |
| ECED& 170 | Learning Environments | 3 |
| ECED& 180 | Language and Literacy Development | 3 |
| ECED& 190 | Observation and Assessment | 3 |
| EDUC& 150 | Child, Family and Community | 3 |
| AMATH 175 | Financial Math or | |
| AMATH 190 | Financial Algebra | 5 |
| ENGL& 101 | English Composition | 5 |
| Total for ECE State Certificate | 47 |
Certificate of Completion
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
| ECE State Certificate requirements | 47 | |
| COL 101 | College Success | 2 |
| ECC 120 | Culture and Diversity | 3 |
| ECC 192 | Practicum II | 4 |
| ECC 193 | Practicum III | 4 |
| ECC 202 | Technology for Teachers | 2 |
| EDUC& 203 | Exceptional Child | 3 |
| Total for Certificate of Completion | 65 |
Associate of Applied Science Degree
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
| Certificate of Completion requirements | 65 | |
| ECC 185 | Curriculum Development II | 5 |
| ECC 250 | Early Childhood Capstone | 5 |
| ECC 290 | Practicum IV – Implementing DAP | 5 |
| CMST& 220 | Public Speaking | 5 |
| PSYC& 200 | Lifespan Psychology | 5 |
| Total for AAS Degree | 90 |
Associate of Applied Science-Transfer Degree
| Course # | Course Title | Credits |
| Certificate of Completion requirements | 65 | |
| ECC 185 | Curriculum Development II | 5 |
| ECC 250 | Early Childhood Capstone | 5 |
| ECC 290 | Practicum IV - Implementing DAP | 5 |
| CMST& 220 | Public Speaking | 5 |
| MATH& 107 | Math in Society | 5 |
| PSYC& 200 | Lifespan Psychology | 5 |
| Optional Recommended Courses for AAS-T Degree: | ||
| MUSC& 105 | Music Appreciation | 5 |
| NUTR& 101 | Human Nutrition | 5 |
| SOC& 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 5 |
| Total for AAS-T Degree | 95-110 |
Not all classes are offered every quarter. Transfer credits and requests to substitute general education courses must be approved by the program Dean.
Program Outcomes
- Create a nurturing, caring and culturally responsive learning environment for all children.
- Develop and implement age appropriate programs that meet individual and group needs.
- Promote positive relationships with children and families valuing diversity.
- Apply health and safety standards.
- Demonstrate positive work ethic and professionalism.
- Demonstrate knowledge and skills relevant for professionals in early childhood education.
Accreditation
This program meets the Washington State Licensing Requirements for program supervisors, teachers and/or directors.
Questions?
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