ECE Degrees and Certificates
The Early Childhood Education ECE program has several pathways to support certificate and/or degree completion. Most classes are held in the late afternoons, evenings and online to allow individuals to work and attend classes. Program outcomes are aligned with the Washington State Core Competencies for Early Care and Educational Professionals.
Students can start with the State Initial Certificate (12 credits) and work toward a State Short Certificate of Specialization-Infants and Toddlers and/or a State Short Certificate of Specialization-General (20 credits). These credits apply toward the State Early Childhood Education Certificate (52 credits) and the Associate in Applied Science degree.
The Associate in Applied Science in ECE degree is designed to prepare students to work with children ages birth to eight as in-home or center-based child care providers, preschool teachers or assistants, child care administrators or paraeducators in professional settings. This degree is intended for students interested in transferring to Washington State University.
This degree pathway leads to an Associate in Applied Science Transfer (AAS-T) degree that aligns with Eastern Washington University’s Education program, where students can complete a Bachelor of Arts in Education (BAE) with P-3 Teaching Certification.
Each of the certificates below may be earned individually or while students progress to the completion of the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Early Childhood Education. For individual certificate requirements see the model below.
- State Early Childhood Education Certificate (54 credits)
- State Short Early Childhood Education Certificate – Infant Toddler Care (20 credits)
- State Short Early Childhood Education Certificate – General (20 credits)
- State Initial Early Childhood Education Certificate (12 credits)
Aside to the certificates above, ECE also offers standalone certificates designed to assist students with acquiring entry-level positions in various areas. Click below for more information.