Early Childhood Education

Educating for our future

Do you have a passion for teaching?

At CBC, we build our community of early childhood educators one quarter at a time. With stackable certificates and degrees, you’ll develop your knowledge and skills in the field of Early Childhood Education (ECE) in a meaningful progression.

ECE Program Highlights:

  • Certificate programs combine theory and practical experience with emphasis placed on active student involvement.
  • Coursework includes participation, observation and practical experience.
  • Students may enroll in any of our programs at the beginning of any quarter on either a full or part-time basis.
  • Most courses are offered in the evenings and on Saturdays to accommodate the varied schedules of working students.
teacher and class

In Washington state, the professional development system helps early learning professionals choose a program that best fits their needs and get support to achieve academic goals.
If you are interested in educating our future leaders, then ECE at CBC is for you!

Note for students who are located outside of Washington state: Each state, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. protectorates vary in what professions they require to be licensed and the educational requirements for those licenses. It’s important to understand whether the degree or certificate you obtain from CBC will meet the educational eligibility requirements for a license in the state in which you plan to practice. 
View educational licensure requirements by state.

 

“My Early Childhood Education experience was educational and enjoyable. The teachers are encouraging, and their number one goal is to help you succeed. I learned the developmental stages of children and how to create an accepting and positive environment. We need to let children grow and use their imagination in a creative uplifting atmosphere. The most important aspect to remember is children learn from play and to not take that away from them.”

Selina Fink, CBC Student

Early Childhood Educators will find their skills and talents necessary and relevant to several careers. From child care center assistants to operating your own family home child care, educators have many options in their future.

Our programs support the Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) Early Childhood Education (ECE) Statewide Credentials and are aligned with the Washington State Core Competencies for Early Care and Education Professionals, allowing you to work through a series of up to three stackable certificates. Earn a single certificate in as little as one full-time quarter or continue your education by taking the skills you’ve already learned to the next level. Learn more about careers for early learning professionals.

As you develop your ECE credentials through our program, you’ll find different career doors open to you. Some of the options available to ECE students and graduates include:

  • ECEAP Assistant Teacher
  • Family Home Child Care Operator
  • Lead Teacher
  • Child Care Center Director

For an overview of career paths and their education requirements in Washington State, visit the ECE Career site.

Connect with us to learn more about the career pathways and how to get started today!

 

Program Learning Outcomes for the AAS in Early Childhood Education

Program learning outcomes are the knowledge, skills, and abilities that students will achieve before they graduate. The outcomes below were developed by the faculty in Early Childhood Education with input from accrediting bodies, advisory committees, employers, etc. This collaboration ensures that the outcomes are relevant for careers that this degree leads to.

Students who graduate with an AAS in Early Childhood Education will be able to:
  1. Apply the principles of child development and learning for children from birth to age eight.
  2. Articulate appropriate care for children in an educational setting.
  3. Evaluate children's cognitive and developmental abilities to inform the adaptation of policies, procedures, and practices tailored to individual developmental needs.
  4. Design developmentally appropriately curriculum and assessments for diverse learners.
  5. Deliver culturally responsive instruction.
  6. Evaluate early childhood education environments using evidence-based criteria to analyze effectiveness, health, nutrition, safety and inclusivity.

 

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students with instructor