Early Childhood Education

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ECE: State Early Childhood Education Certificate

Certificate

This certificate program is the third step in a pathway for students interested in working in the field of early childhood education. Learn to establish or improve, an early childhood learning environment using principles selected from classes, assess children’s skills and behavior based on developmentally appropriate practices, and critique organization and implementation of classroom processes in an early learning setting. Students complete 47 credits, resulting in a State Early Childhood Education Certificate. Students interested in continuing their education can move into the Early Childhood Education AAS.

Estimated Length of Completion

Degree Quarters Credits
Certificate Full Time: 3
Part Time: 4		 47.0

Program lengths are estimates, not guarantees. For the most current program information, please check with the program contact.

Program Pathway Map 

Program Pathways are a series of courses and experiences carefully selected to help you earn your credential and prepare for your career or university transfer.  Program Pathway Maps guide you through quarter-by-quarter coursework, indicate when you’ll need to complete important steps, and describe popular careers in this pathway.  Some course sequences or recommended courses can be customized or adjusted by speaking with an advisor.  

Certificate in Early Childhood Education with I-BEST support


There are no entry requirements for this program

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor to discuss specific career goals and recommended coursework.

For current employment and wage estimates, please visit the following online resources and search for the relevant occupational term:

All costs are estimates and are not guarantees. For the most current program information, check with an adviser by calling 206.934.5391. There are additional costs for books and supplies. Each student is responsible for the purchase of certain supplies and required tools before the instruction begins.

Part Time Cost

Resident Non-Resident International
$5,808.26 $6,623.24 $14,943.65

Hours may vary based on specific program requirements. For the most current program information, check with an adviser by calling 206.934.5391.

Worker Friendly

This program is offered at times and in formats that meet the needs of working adults. This includes:

  • Online: Coursework is generally completed over the internet, within a quarterly timeframe, contact with instructor via email. Some courses may require limited on-campus visits.
  • Hybrid: Hybrid courses provide students with the scheduling flexibility of fewer campus visits while covering the same materials as an equivalent class held entirely on campus. Hybrid classes usually have at least one on-campus meeting per week combined with a "virtual classroom" with online content, lessons and activities.
  • Evening: Courses with a start time of 4:00 PM or later.
  • Weekend: Courses offered on Saturday or Sunday
  • Daytime: Courses offered between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM

Coursework

Course Course ID Credits Availability

Investigate learning theory, program planning, tools and methods for curriculum development promoting language, fine/gross motor, social-emotional, cognitive and creative skills and growth in children birth through age 8 utilizing developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive practice.

ECED& 160 5.0

Course Substitute : ECED& 130 - Guiding Behavior (3 credits)

This class focuses on the adult's role in designing, evaluating, and improving indoor and outdoor environments that ensure quality learning and nurturing experiences, and optimize the development of young children. This course requires the student to directly work/volunteer with children.

ECED& 170 3.0

Teaching strategies for language acquisition and literacy skill development are examined at each developmental stage (birth-age 8) through the four interrelated areas of speaking, listening, writing, and reading. This course requires the student to directly work/volunteer with children.

ECED& 180 3.0

Collect and record observation and assessment data in order to plan for and support the child, the family, the group, and the community. Practice reflection techniques, summarizing conclusions, and communicating findings.

ECED& 190 3.0

Develop understanding about the family and community contexts in which a child develops. Explore cultures and demographics of families in society, community resources, strategies for involving families in the education of their child, and tools for effective communication. This course requires the student to directly work/volunteer with children outside of class time.

EDUC& 150 3.0

Completion of the courses listed below equals the State Initial ECE Certificate

Course Course ID Credits Availability

Explore the foundations of early childhood education. Examine theories defining the field, issues and trends, best practices, and program models. Observe children, professionals, and programs in action. Students are required to work or volunteer directly with children.

ECED& 105 5.0

Develop knowledge and skills to ensure good health, nutrition, and safety of children in group care and education programs. Recognize the signs of abuse and neglect, learn about responsibilities for mandated reporting, and learn about available community resources. This course requires students to work or volunteer directly with children outside of class time.

ECED& 107 5.0

In an early learning setting, students will engage in establishing nurturing, supportive relationships with all children and professional peers. Focus on children's health & safety, promoting growth & development, and creating a culturally responsive environment. This course requires students to spend time in an early learning setting outside of class.

ECED& 120 2.0

Completion of EDUC& 115 - Child Development and one of the other courses listed below:

Course Course ID Credits Availability

Completion this course, EDUC& 115 - Child Development (5 credits) , and the State Initial ECE Certificate courses (12 credits) equals the State Short ECE Certificate - Infant/Toddler Care

Examine the unique developmental needs of infants & toddlers. Study the role of the caregiver, relationships with families, developmentally appropriate practices, nurturing environments for infants and toddlers, and culturally retentive care. Work/volunteer directly with children outside of class time.

ECED& 132 3.0

Completion this course, EDUC& 115 - Child Development (5 credits) , and the State Initial ECE Certificate courses (12 credits) equals the State Short ECE Certificate - Family Child Care

Learn how to manage a family child care program. Topics include: licensing requirements, record-keeping, relationship building, communication strategies, guiding behavior, and promoting growth and development. Students must spend time in an early learning setting outside of class.

ECED& 134 3.0

Completion this course, EDUC& 115 - Child Development (5 credits) , and the State Initial ECE Certificate courses (12 credits) equals the State Short ECE Certificate - Administration

Develop administrative skills required to develop, open, operate, manage, and assess early childhood education and care programs. Explore techniques and resources available fo Washington State licensing and National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standard compliance.

ECED& 139 3.0

Build foundation for explaining how children develop in all domains, conception through early adolescence. Explore various developmental theories, methods for documenting growth, and impact of brain development. Topics and issues addressed: stress, trauma, culture, race, gender identity, socioeconomic status, family status, language, and health.

EDUC& 115 5.0

Completion this course, EDUC& 115 - Child Development (5 credits) , and the State Initial ECE Certificate courses (12 credits) equals the State Short ECE Certificate - General

Examine the principles and theories promoting social competence in young children and creating safe learning environments. Develop skills promoting effective interactions, providing positive individual guidance, and enhancing group experiences. Work/volunteer directly with children.

EDUC& 130 3.0

Completion this course, EDUC& 115 - Child Development (5 credits) , and the State Initial ECE Certificate courses (12 credits) equals the State Short ECE Certificate - School-Age Care

Develop skills to provide developmentally appropriate and culturally relevant activities and care, such as preparing the environment, implementing curriculum, building relationships, guiding academic/social skill development, and developing community outreach. Work/volunteer directly with children outside of class.

EDUC& 136 3.0
Course Course ID Credits Availability

Course Substitute : English course higher than ENGL& 101

English 101 is a college-level writing course that emphasizes academic writing and major strategies of reading and writing analytically. Writing assignments focus on engaging with and responding to a variety of texts. Instruction encourages students to develop, through revision and reflection, as readers, writers, and critical thinkers. Prereq: Eligibility for ENGL&101.

ENGL& 101 5.0

Quantitative or Computational Math above 100 or designated Q/SR

No Description available

 Z999_037 5.0