Program Description

The Early Childhood Education (ECE) 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 Technical Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE), a one-year certificate in ECE, or an individually developed program including Early Childhood Education and other disciplines focused on a specific role in Early Childhood Education. Graduates of the Early Childhood Education ATA 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 ECE ATA degree is articulated with Washington State Universities Human Development degree with an ECE specialization. Many specific courses in ECE transfer directly to Western Washington University or other four-year institutions. Check with the transfer counselor in the counseling and career services office for the most up-to-date information. Students may also choose courses for an Early Childhood endorsement to a Washington state teaching certificate or as electives to an AAUCT degree. The ECE program also offers preparation for the Child Development Associate Certificate (CDA). Please see the Department Chair for more information on courses offered for CDA preparation.

Entry into the Program

Students may enter the program at the beginning of any quarter. For specific information contact the Admissions Office 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 provide a disclosure statement which will be submitted to the Washington State Patrol in order to complete a criminal history background check.

All ECE courses require extensive reading and writing. At least one ECE course will be designated as “writing” or “speech” intensive each quarter. Students should expect to participate in both individual and group assignments. Written assignments in ECE classes at the Mount Vernon Campus are required to be typewritten or computer generated.