Early Childhood Education

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WVC prepares students in the early childhood education (ECE) program for careers that focus on young children from birth to five years and their families. This program provides an understanding of a child’s social, emotional, physical and cognitive development. It emphasizes practices that are developmentally appropriate and embrace both family and community.

Degrees and Certificates

Early Childhood Education,
Associate of Technical Science Degree
Bachelor of Applied Science - Teaching,
Bachelor of Applied Science
Early Childhood Education State Initial Certificate,
Certificate of Accomplishment
Early Childhood Education State Short Cert. - Administration,
Certificate of Accomplishment
Early Childhood Education State Short Cert. - Family Child Care,
Certificate of Accomplishment
Early Childhood Education State Short Cert. - General,
Certificate of Accomplishment
Early Childhood Education State Short Cert. - Home Visiting,
Certificate of Accomplishment
Early Childhood Education State Short Cert. - Infants and Toddlers,
Certificate of Accomplishment
Early Childhood Education State Short Cert. - School Age Care,
Certificate of Accomplishment
Early Childhood Education State Certificate,
Certificate of Completion
Early Childhood Education,
Associate in Applied Science-Transfer Degree

Program Learning Outcomes

Document foundational competency in the Washington state’s eleven Early Childhood Education Professional Core Competencies.

Demonstrate evidence of the ability to plan experiences and provide materials for young children in the four different Early Childhood settings – Infant/toddler program, Family/Home Child Care Program, Preschool Program and a Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd or 3rd grade classroom.

Identify and use credible professional resources from multiple sources, allowing them to better serve children and families with a wide range of cultures, languages, needs and abilities.

Acquire training and education to seek employment or advance in current employment in the field of early childhood education.

Develop a foundation to continue their studies in early childhood education.

Classes

ECED& 105: Introduction to Early Childhood Education

Credits

Explore the foundations of early childhood education. Examine theories defining the field, issues and trends, best practices, and program models. Observe children, professionals and programs in action.

ECED& 107: Health, Safety & Nutrition

Credits

Introduction to implementation of equitable health, safety and nutrition standards for the growing child in group care. Focus on federal Child Care Block Grant funding (CCDF) requirements, WA State licensing and Head Start Performance standards. Develop skills necessary to keep children healthy & safe, report abuse & neglect, and connect families to community resources.

ECED& 120: Practicum-Nurturing Relationships

Credits

In an early learning setting, engage in establishing nurturing, supportive relationships with all children and professional peers. Focus on children's health & safety, promoting growth & development, and creating a culturally responsive environment.

ECED& 132: Infant/Toddler Care

Credits

Examine the unique developmental needs of infants and toddlers. Study the role of the caregiver, relationships with families, developmentally appropriate practices, nurturing environments for infants and toddlers, and culturally relevant care.

ECED& 134: Family Childcare Management

Credits

Learn how to manage a family childcare program. Topics include: licensing requirements, record-keeping, relationship building, communication strategies, guiding behavior, and promoting growth and development.

ECED& 138: Home VIsiting & Family Engagement

Credits

Plan and provide home visits and group activities. Promote secure parent-child relationships. Support families to provide high-quality early learning opportunities embedded in everyday routines and experiences.

ECED& 139: Administration of Early Childhood Education

Credits

Develop administrative skills required to develop, operate, manage and improve early childhood education and care programs. Acquire basic business management skills. Explore resources and supports for meeting WA State licensing and professional NAEYC standards.

ECED& 160: Curriculum Development

Credits

Investigate learning theory, program planning, tools and methods for curriculum development promoting language, fine/gross motor, social-emotional, cognitive and creative skills and growth in children birth through age 8 utilizing developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive practice.

ECED& 170: Learning Environments

Credits

This class focuses on the adult's role in designing, evaluating, and improving indoor and outdoor environments that ensure quality learning, nurturing experiences, and optimize the development of young children.

ECED& 180: Language & Literacy

Credits

Teaching strategies for language acquisition and literacy skill development are examined at each developmental stage (birth-age 8) through the four interrelated areas of speaking, listening, writing, and reading.

ECED& 190: Observation & Assessment

Credits

Collect and record observation and assessment data in order to plan for and support the child, the family, the group, and the community. Practice reflection techniques, summarizing conclusions, and communicating findings.

ECED 133: Field Experience II

Credits

Complete 20 hours of field experience in each of the following three approved early childhood education settings: infant/toddler program, preschool program, kindergarten, first, second or third-grade classroom (60 hours total).

ECED 220: STEM In Early Childhood

Credits

This course provides knowledge and skills in supporting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) in Early Learning environments. Curriculum integration of all four STEM content areas. Methods, assessment, materials, and vocabulary to use in individualized and developmentally appropriate STEM activities and experiences.

ECED 221: Visual and Performing Arts for Early Childhood

Credits

An exploration of principles, methods, and materials for teaching children music, movement, visual arts, and dramatic play through process-oriented experiences to support divergent thinking. Students will learn theories, techniques, and curriculum design in order to offer a wide variety of developmentally appropriate art media to children and create a comprehensive visual and performing arts curriculum.

ECED 290: Practicum/Capstone

Credits

Student completes 90 hours of field experience in an approved early childhood setting. Under the direct supervision of a qualified early childhood professional, student takes on the role of lead teacher to demonstrate skills in curriculum planning and implementation, child guidance, environmental design, and communication with families and program staff. Students will participate weekly in online discussion with peers and instructor to discuss practicum experiences. Completion of a professional portfolio.