Early Childhood Education

Early Childhood Education (ECED) is a professional technical program designed to prepare students for employment in a variety of early care and educational settings. Course content focuses on the educational and developmental needs of young children from birth to age eight. The ECED program combines theory and practical experience with emphasis placed on active student involvement. Course work includes participation, observation and practical experience.

Students may enroll in the ECED program at the beginning of any quarter on either a full-or part-time basis. Most courses are offered in the evenings or on Saturdays to accommodate the varied schedules of working students. Some courses will be offered in Spanish to support the development of dual language educators. Additional class options are listed in the Education section. Credentials are recognized by Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).

Degrees and Certificates Offered

  • Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Teacher Education degree (with WA state licensure in PreK-3)
  • Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Early Childhood Education degree
  • State Early Childhood Education One-Year Certificate
  • State Short Early Childhood Education Certificate
  • State Initial Early Childhood Education Short-Term Certificate
  • Child Development Associate (CDA) Short-Term Certificate

Program Goals

Upon completion of the program, successful students will demonstrate both practical skills and foundational knowledge of best practices in early care and education in order to:

  • Understand and apply the principles of child development and learning for children birth to age eight
  • Create a nurturing child-centered environment that considers the needs of the whole child
  • Design curriculum and assessments that are developmentally appropriate and responsive to the diverse needs of children
  • Practice current first-aid, health and safety techniques
  • Demonstrate the ability to select guidance strategies tailored to the unique needs of each child
  • Utilize core knowledge of the early childhood field to demonstrate intentional decision-making about policies and practices for children
  • Engage with children, families, colleagues, community and society ethically and professionally
  • Enter the workforce prepared to deliver quality services to young children and their families

Degrees and Certificates

Courses

ECED& 100: Child Care Basics [RE]

Credits 3

This course is designed to meet licensing requirements for early learning lead teachers and family home child care providers and the STARS 30 hour basics course recognized in the MERIT system. Topics: child growth/development, cultural responsiveness, community resources, guidance, health/safety/nutrition and professional practices.

ECED 102: Introduction to Curriculum [RE]

Credits 3

Provides students with both a theoretical and practical understanding of the curriculum content in a developmentally appropriate setting for young children.

Equivalent Courses
ECE 102, ED 102, EDUC 102

ECED 103: Art [RE]

Credits 3

Provides the student with a basic understanding of the methods used for teaching visual art to young children in a developmentally appropriate manner. $15 ECED miscellaneous supplies fee.

Equivalent Courses
ECE 103

ECED& 105: Intro to Early Childhood Education [RE]

Credits 5

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

ECED& 107: Health/Safety/Nutrition [RE]

Credits 5

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, Washington state licensing and Head Start Performance standards. Develop skills necessary to keep children healthy and safe, report abuse and neglect, and connect families to community resources. $15 ECED miscellaneous supplies fee.

Equivalent Courses
ECE 230

ECED 112: Introduction to ELL Teaching Strategies [RE]

Credits 3

Provides an overview of the philosophy and stages of language acquisition for English language learners in an early learning setting. A variety of instructional strategies are explored.

Equivalent Courses
ECE 112

ECED 116: Eced Special Topics Symposium [RE]

Credits 1 3

An opportunity to participate in a class dealing with special topics that relate to early childhood education but are not covered in depth in the existing curriculum.

Equivalent Courses
ECE 116

ECED 117: Eced Seminar [RE]

Credits 1 3

Provides an opportunity to participate in an intensive, short-term learning experience relating to early childhood education.

Equivalent Courses
ECE 117

ECED 118: Skills Training [RE]

Credits 1 3

Provides an opportunity to participate in a short-term skills training relating to early childhood education.

Equivalent Courses
ECE 118

ECED 119: ECED Workshop [RE]

Credits 1 3

An opportunity to participate in a workshop class relating to early childhood education.

Equivalent Courses
ECE 119

ECED& 120: Practicum-Nurturing Relationships [RE]

Credits 2

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

ECED 122: Math & Science [RE]

Credits 3

Provides ideas for introducing developmentally appropriate math and science and concepts to young children. Students have an opportunity to develop and experience math and science learning activities.

Equivalent Courses
ECE 122

ECED 124: Children's Literature [RE]

Credits 3

Increases awareness of various types of literature for young children and explores meaningful ways to share high quality books in early care and education settings.

Equivalent Courses
ECE 120

ECED 127: Music & Movement [RE]

Credits 3

In this interactive class, students learn the importance of providing high quality music and movement activities in an early learning setting.

Equivalent Courses
ECE 127

ECED& 132: Infants & Toddlers--Nurturing Care [RE]

Credits 3

Students will 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 retentive care.

Equivalent Courses
ECE 205

ECED& 134: Family Child Care Management [RE]

Credits 3

Students will 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 Visitor/Family Engagement [RE]

Credits 3

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 ECE [RE]

Credits 3

Students will 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 Washington State licensing and professional National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards.

Equivalent Courses
ECE 215

ECED 141: Child Development Associate [RE]

Credits 10

Provides the formal education hours required for Child Development Associate (CDA) candidates working in center-based infant and toddler, center-based preschool, or family home child care programs. Instruction focuses on CDA Competency Goals and prepares students for the National CDA assessment and credential. This course is offered on an as-needed basis.

Equivalent Courses
ECE 141

ECED 142: Child Development Associate [RE]

Credits 1 10

Provides the formal education hours required for Child Development Associate (CDA) candidates working in center-based infant and toddler, center-based preschool, or family home child care programs. Instruction focuses on CDA Competency Goals and prepares students for the National CDA assessment and credential.

ECED 143: Child Development Associate [RE]

Credits 1 10

Provides the formal education hours required for Child Development Associate (CDA) candidates working in center-based infant and toddler, center-based preschool, or family home child care programs. Instruction focuses on CDA Competency Goals and prepares students for the National CDA assessment and credential.

ECED 144: Child Development Associate [RE]

Credits 1 10

Provides the formal education hours required for Child Development Associate (CDA) candidates working in center-based infant and toddler, center-based preschool, or family home child care programs. Instruction focuses on CDA Competency Goals and prepares students for the National CDA assessment and credential.

ECED 145: Child Development Associate [RE]

Credits 1 10

Provides the formal education hours required for Child Development Associate (CDA) candidates working in center-based infant and toddler, center-based preschool, or family home child care programs. Instruction focuses on CDA Competency Goals and prepares students for the National CDA assessment and credential.

ECED 146: Child Development Associate [RE]

Credits 1 10

Provides the formal education hours required for Child Development Associate (CDA) candidates working in center-based infant and toddler, center-based preschool, or family home child care programs. Instruction focuses on CDA Competency Goals and prepares students for the National CDA assessment and credential.

ECED 147: Child Development Associate [RE]

Credits 1 10

Provides the formal education hours required for Child Development Associate (CDA) candidates working in center-based infant and toddler, center-based preschool, or family home child care programs. Instruction focuses on CDA Competency Goals and prepares students for the National CDA assessment and credential.

ECED 148: Child Development Associate [RE]

Credits 1 10

Provides the formal education hours required for Child Development Associate (CDA) candidates working in center-based infant and toddler, center-based preschool, or family home child care programs. Instruction focuses on CDA Competency Goals and prepares students for the National CDA assessment and credential.

ECED 149: Child Development Associate [RE]

Credits 1 10

Provides the formal education hours required for Child Development Associate (CDA) candidates working in center-based infant and toddler, center-based preschool, or family home child care programs. Instruction focuses on CDA Competency Goals and prepares students for the National CDA assessment and credential.

ECED 151: Supervised Practicum [RE]

Credits 3

Designed to be taken just before completion of an Early Childhood Education certificate or degree, this class must be taken in conjunction with ECED 152. In class, theory is combined with practical experience in an ECE setting. Emphasis is on improving teaching skills through self-evaluation.

Prerequisite

Concurrent enrollment in ECED 152.

Equivalent Courses
ECE 151

ECED 152: Supervised Practicum Lab [RE]

Credits 1 6

Designed to be taken just before completion of an Early Childhood Education certificate or degree, this class must be taken in conjunction with ECED 151. The student is required to spend 33 hours working in an early childhood setting to complete class assignments.

Prerequisite

Concurrent enrollment in ECED 151.

ECED 153: Child Development Associate [RE]

Credits 1 10

Provides the formal education hours required for Child Development Associate (CDA) candidates working in center-based infant and toddler, center-based preschool, or family home child care programs. Instruction focuses on CDA Competency Goals and prepares students for the National CDA assessment and credential.

ECED& 160: Curriculum Development [RE]

Credits 5

Students will 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.

Equivalent Courses
ECE 202

ECED& 170: Environments for Young Children [RE]

Credits 3

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 Development [RE]

Credits 3

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

Equivalent Courses
ECE 126

ECED& 190: Observation/Assessment [RE]

Credits 3

Students will 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.

Equivalent Courses
ECE 121

ECED 201: Multicultural Education [RE]

Credits 3

Explores the theory and practice of implementing a culturally responsive and inclusive early childhood program.

Equivalent Courses
ECE 201, ED 160, EDUC 160

ECED 216: Advanced Special Topics [RE]

Credits 1 3

An opportunity to participate in advanced classes dealing with special topics that relate to early childhood education but are not covered in depth in the existing curriculum.

Equivalent Courses
ECE 216

ECED 217: Advanced Seminar [RE]

Credits 1 3

Provides an opportunity to participate in an advanced short-term learning experience relating to early childhood education.

Equivalent Courses
ECE 217

ECED 218: Advanced Skills Training [RE]

Credits 1 3

Provides an opportunity to participate in an advanced short-term skills training relating to early childhood education.

Equivalent Courses
ECE 218

ECED 219: Advanced Workshop [RE]

Credits 1 3

An opportunity to participate in an advanced workshop class relating to early childhood education.

Equivalent Courses
ECE 219

ECED 221: Strategies for Teaching Special Needs [RE]

Credits 3

An introduction to teaching methods that can be used with children who have special needs in an inclusive early care & education setting.

Prerequisite

Completion of EDUC& 203 with a 0.7 or higher.

Equivalent Courses
ECE 221

ECED 222: Sign Language Level 1 [RE]

Credits 3

An introduction to sign language using either the Signing Exact English (SEE) or American Sign Language (ASL) method. This course provides an opportunity for students to gain a better understanding of sign language, its application, and to build a basic signing vocabulary.

Equivalent Courses
ECE 222

ECED 223: Sign Language Level 2 [RE]

Credits 3

The level two sign language course broadens a student's knowledge of either Signing Exact English (SEE) or American Sign Language (ASL) and builds fluency and communication skills.

Prerequisite

Completion of ECED 222 with a 0.7 or higher, or instructor permission.

Equivalent Courses
ECE 223

ECED 224: Sign Language Level 3 [RE]

Credits 3

Level three sign language broadens a student's knowledge of either Signing Exact English (SEE), or American Sign Language ASL, extending communication fluency and skills learned in the Level 1 or Level 2 sign language classes.

Prerequisite

Completion of ECED 223 with a 0.7 or higher, or instructor permission.

Equivalent Courses
ECE 224

ECED 251: Advanced Supervised Practicum [RE]

Credits 1 3

Designed to be taken just before completion of an Early Childhood Education certificate or degree, this class combines the Early Childhood Education content learned in previous classes with practical application for students who need further experience. Emphasis is on improving personal teaching skills while gaining on-the-job experience working with professionals in an early learning setting.

Equivalent Courses
ECE 251

ECED 252: Advanced Supervised Practicum Lab [RE]

Credits 1

Designed to be taken just before completion of an Early Childhood Education certificate or degree, this class combines the Early Childhood Education content learned in previous classes with practical application for students who need further experience. Emphasis is on improving personal teaching skills while gaining on-the-job experience working with professionals in an early learning setting.

ECED 289: Special Studies [RE]

Credits 1 15

Designed to incorporate into the curriculum special learning opportunities in the field of early childhood education.

Equivalent Courses
ECE 289

ECED 300: Social Studies for Teachers [RE]

Credits 5

An overview of the main concepts in social studies for early childhood teachers including topics in history, civics, geography, economics, and global issues.

Prerequisite

Admission into the BASTE program at CBC.

ECED 301: Inquiry Based Science for Teachers [RE]

Credits 3

An overview of the main concepts in natural science for early childhood teachers including topics in earth/space science, life science, physical science, and engineering design. Lab included.

Prerequisite

Admission into the BASTE program at CBC.

ECED 307: Health and Physical Education Learning Standards [RE]

Credits 2

This course will prepare students to plan for comprehensive health and fitness education in early learning programs serving children birth to grade three who are culturally, linguistically, and ability diverse and their families, including the dimension of wellness such as physical, emotional, and social well-being.

Prerequisite

Admission into the BASTE program at CBC.

ECED 325: Advanced Math Methods [RE]

Credits 3

Student will develop a deep understanding of the development of spatial and mathematical learning across all strands: number & operations, algebra, geometry, measurement, and data analysis & probability. There will be an emphasis on the content included in the state early learning guidelines and standards for children birth through grade three and their families who are culturally, linguistically, and ability diverse.

Prerequisite

Admission into the BASTE program at CBC.

ECED 340: Assessment and Evaluation [RE]

Credits 5

This course will prepare student to select, administer, score, and interpret formal assessment tools. Evaluate students for placement into special education programs. Develop Individual Education Plans (IEPs), Individual Family Service Plans (IFSPs), and 504 plans for children birth to third grade who are culturally, linguistically, and ability diverse and their families.

Prerequisite

Admission into the BASTE program at CBC.

ECED 365: Observations, Documentation, and Monitoring [RE]

Credits 3

Students will develop skills and strategies for observing, documenting and monitoring children birth to grade three who are culturally, linguistically and ability diverse and their families. Strategies for tracking progress toward meeting Individual Education Plan (IEP) and Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) goals will also be addressed.

Prerequisite

Admission into the BASTE program at CBC.

ECED 370: Adaptations, Modifications, and Planning [RE]

Credits 5

Students will use evidence based strategies to adapt and modify curriculum and environments for individual children birth to grade three who are culturally, linguistically, and ability diverse and their families. Create lesson plans for children based on Individual Education Plans (IEP), Individual Family Services Plans (IFSP) goals, and 504 plans.

Prerequisite

Admission into the BASTE program at CBC.

ECED 385: Advanced Language and Literacy Methods [RE]

Credits 3

Students will be able to refine teaching strategies for language acquisition and literacy skill development for children who are culturally, linguistically, and ability diverse at each developmental stage birth through grade three, through the four interrelated areas of speaking, listening, writing, and reading. There will be an emphasis on strategies for teaching reading and how to support each stage of literacy development across genres and purposes. Strategies for supporting families as they assist their children in learning language and literacy will also be addressed.

Prerequisite

Admission into the BASTE program at CBC.

ECED 395: Equity and Social Justice [RE]

Credits 3

Students will develop skills needed to effectively collaborate with others including school personnel, community agency personnel, and families to support children birth to third grade who are culturally, linguistically, and ability diverse and their families. Supervision of assistants and paraprofessionals will also be addressed.

Prerequisite

Admission into the BASTE program at CBC.

ECED 479: Fall Student Teaching [RE]

Credits 15

Students will gain experience working in an education setting with children birth through grade three who are culturally, linguistically, and ability diverse and their families under the supervision of a certificated teacher with an emphasis on building relationships and guiding behavior.

Prerequisite

Completion of ECED& 105 with a 0.7 or higher, admission into the BASTE program at CBC, department permission, and a criminal background check required.

ECED 489: Winter Student Teaching [RE]

Credits 15

Students will demonstrate effective teaching practice and experience working in an education setting with children birth through grade three who are culturally, linguistically, (including English language learners), and ability diverse and their families under the supervision of a certified teacher, with an emphasis on pedagogy in accordance with instructional frameworks in Washington state. Apply the use of technology for technology for assessment, instruction, and family engagement.

Prerequisite

Completion of ECED& 105 with a 0.7 or higher, admission into the BASTE program at CBC, department permission, and a criminal background check required.

ECED 499: Spring Student Teaching [RE]

Credits 15

Students will gain experience working in an education setting, with children birth through grade three who are culturally, linguistically (including English language learners), and ability diverse and their families under the supervision of a certificated teacher, with an emphasis on using data to improve practices. Apply the use of technology for technology for assessment, instruction, and family engagement.

Prerequisite

Completion of ECED& 105 with a 0.7 or higher, admission into the BASTE program at CBC, department permission, and a criminal background check required.