Early Childhood Foundation Certificate

This program is offered only to CPTC-affiliated centers in the community. It prepares students for entry-level positions in the Early Care & Education field. Students participate in experiential learning in an approved local child care center.

ECED& 100 provides students with the basic 30-hour S.T.A.R.S. certification. ECS 121-127 prepares students for the CDA assessment. The program is designed for students to earn a certificate while working in the field.

Employability Requirements

To become a licensed child care provider in Washington, you must participate in a Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) licensing orientation and apply for and receive licensure. State law requires DCYF to run background checks on anyone who is authorized to care for or has unsupervised access to children in licensed child care facilities.

Program Length

This program is approximately two quarters long, depending on the time students need to satisfactorily complete all graduation requirements and depending on hours of enrollment. All courses must be completed with a minimum of a “C” grade to graduate.

Admission Dates

Summer, fall, winter, and spring quarters.

Requirements:

Prerequisite(s)

Proficiency in reading, writing, and understanding the English language is required. Students are required to take the Accuplacer assessment or equivalent before entry into the program.

Program Course List

ECE 120	Interpersonal Skills for the ECE Professional	2
ECED& 100	Child Care Basics (Stars)	3
ECS 121	Introduction to the Early Childhood Profession	2
ECS 122	Ways to Study How Children Grow/Learn	2
ECS 123	Self, Social and Positive Guidance	2
ECS 124	Productive Relationships with Families	2
ECS 125	Program Management	2
ECS 126	Professionalism	2
ECS 127CAP	CDA Capstone	2
ECS 181	ECE Practicum I	5
ECS 182	ECE Practicum II	5
Total Credit Hours:		29