Washington State ECE Stackable Certificate
Prepares students for careers in the Early Care & Education field as lead and assistant childcare providers. Students participate in experiential learning at the Hayes Child Development Center on the Lakewood Campus or in approved local child care centers. The entire credential is broken down into three steps (Initial Certificate, Washington State Short Certificate of Specialization, and remaining ECE Washington State Certificate requirements).
The program is designed for students to earn a certificate while working in the field.
Included in this program are academic courses in communication, quantitative reasoning, and social sciences that provide knowledge and abilities upon which technical skills are built and personal development is enhanced.
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
This program is approximately one quarter 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.
Completion 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. 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 |
| ECED 160 | Curriculum Development | 5 |
| ECED& 170 | Environments for Young Children | 3 |
| ECED 180 | Language and Literacy Development | 3 |
| ECED 190 | Observation and Assessment | 3 |
| EDUC 115 | Child Development | 5 |
| EDUC 150 | Child, Family and Community | 3 |
ECE
| Specialization Elective | 3 |
| | |
| ENGL& 101 | English Composition I | 5 |
| Or | |
| CMST& 220 | Public Speaking | 5 |
| | |
| Any 100-Level Math Class | 5 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 47 |
ECE Specialization Elective: See listing below
Note: English Composition I or higher
ECED& 107: Articulated courses with high schools for dual enrollment
ECE Specialization Elective
Students must choose one of the following: