Course Catalog

Early Childhood Education Program

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The early childhood education (ECE) program prepares students for careers working with children in early learning and care programs, Head Start, preschools, childcare centers and homes. The program offers three stackable state certificates leading to an associate in arts (AA) degree or to an associate in applied science – transfer (AAS-T) degree. Certificate graduates usually work in family home child care or in centers under the supervision of a program supervisor or director. The AA degree prepares students for lead teacher or administrator positions in early learning programs. The AAS-T degree enables students to transfer in as juniors to bachelor of arts (BA) ECE programs for which articulation agreements are in place.

Stackable state certificates:

  • State initial early childhood education certificate
  • State short early childhood education certificates of specialization
    • Early childhood education (general) 
    • Administration
    • Family child care
    • Infants and toddlers
    • School age care
  • Early childhood education state certificate

This program of study promotes career advancement and improves transferability for students. All certificates align with steps in the Washington State Career Lattice for Early Care and Education Professionals and NAEYC Standards for Teacher Preparation. The common courses required in the certificates also meet requirements for the ECE AA and AAS-T degrees.

Additional requirements during/after course of study

While not a requirement for the ECE program, students should be aware that there are special employment conditions in this career field that may include criminal background checks, current CPR and First Aid certification and HIV training.

Transfer option

Students may plan their ECE course selection to maximize transferability of their credits through articulation agreements with some Washington 4-year colleges/universities. Advising assistance is strongly recommended to identify the education path that best serves your interests.

Visit whatcom.edu/ece for more information.