State Initial Early Childhood Education Certificate Step 1: Washington State ECE Stackable Certificate
Students can earn this certificate as the starting point of their careers or to continue their professional development. The certificate focuses on competencies comparable to those of the Child Development Associate (CDA). This provides the foundation for the ECE State Certificate and associate degree. Courses include a 5-credit Introduction to Early Childhood Education; a 5-credit Health, Safety, and Nutrition course; and a 2-credit practicum to apply learning.
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 who has unsupervised access to children in licensed child care facilities.
Program Length
To become a licensed child care provider in Washington, you must participate in a Department of Early Learning (DEL) licensing orientation and apply for and receive licensure. State law requires DEL to run background checks on anyone who is authorized to care for or has unsupervised access to children in licensed child care facilities.
Admission Dates
Fall quarter.
Completion Requirements
Prerequisite(s)
ECED& 100: Child Care Basics (STARS) or equivalent. 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. Successful completion of ENG 091 or equivalent.
Program Course List
| ECED& 105 | Introduction to Early Childhood Education | 5 |
| ECED& 107 | Health, Safety & Nutrition | 5 |
| ECED& 120 | Practicum: Nurturing Relationships | 2 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12 |
ECED& 107: Articulated courses with high schools for dual enrollment