This early childhood education degree prepares you for careers in early learning, caring for and teaching children birth through age 8 in childcare programs, preschools, and publicly supported programs such as Head Start. It is not intended as preparation to teach in public schools. As a graduate of this program, you will meet Washington's Level 3 state competencies for early care and education professionals and NAEYC ECE associate degree standards.

Talk with your advisor about adapting this sequence for your individual goals.

Quarter 1 (15 credits)

ECED& 105 Introduction to early childhood education (5 credits)

ECED& 107 Health/safety/nutrition (5 credits)

ENGL& 101 English composition I (5 credits)

Career exploration:

• Find your people!  Attend area-of-study activities and connect with clubs related to your career goals. Find out where students in your pathway go to study.

Action items:

• Meet with your advisor to build your degree plan in Starfish. Review the pathway and how it aligns with workforce requirements.
• Have your transfer-in credits officially evaluated.
• Visit the Intercultural Center, the Learning Center and the library.

Quarter 2 (15 credits)

CMST& 210 Interpersonal communication (5 credits)
or CMST& 220 Public speaking (5 credits)
or CMST& 230 Small group communication (5 credits)

ECED& 190 Observation & assessment (3 credits)

EDUC& 115 Child development (5 credits)

EDUC& 120 Nurturing relationship (2 credits)

Career exploration:

• Compare the Early Childhood Education majors at the universities where Whatcom has agreements for transferring this degree.
• Start keeping a portfolio of your best work.

Quarter 3 (14 credits)

ECED& 180 Language/literacy development (3 credits)

EDUC& 130 Guiding behavior (3 credits)

EDUC& 150 Child, family, community (3 credits)

MATH& 141 Precalculus I (5 credits)
or MATH& 146 Intro to statistics (5 credits)
If you're not ready for 100-level math, start the math sequence that leads to it.

Career exploration:

• Ask your instructors about nearby conferences you might attend next year.
• Look for a summer job or internship related to your career goals.

Action items:

• Check the GPA and other entry requirements for your future major.  Are you on track?

Quarter 4 (13 credits)

CMST 225 Intercultural communication (5 credits)
Recommended to satisfy one of two Humanities requirements and to help prepare you to work in a multicultural environment, increase sensitivity to diversity, and ensure inclusion.

ECED& 170 Learning environments (3 credits)

ENGL 201 Advanced composition (5 credits)

Career exploration:

Listen to podcasts about early childhood education or the kind of career you're aiming for.

Action items:

• Meet with your advisor about applying to universities.  Start your transfer applications.
• Apply for next year's financial aid.

Quarter 5 (18 credits)

ECED& 160 Curriculum development (5 credits)

ECED 220 Music & movement (3 credits)

EDUC& 204 Exceptional child (5 credits)

ENGL& 225 Children's literature (5 credits)
Recommended to satisfy one of two Humanities requirements; however, any class with an H designation will satisfy this requirement as long as it's in a different discipline than the other required Humanities class.

Action items:

• Apply to graduate.

Quarter 6 (16 credits)

BIOL& 100 Survey of biology (5 credits)
or BIOL 104 Finding things out: biology (5 credits)
or CHEM 104 Finding things out: chemistry (5 credits)
or PHYSC104 Finding things out: energy (5 credits)

ECED 290 Early childhood education internship (3 credits)

EDUC 250 Professionalism in the workplace (3 credits)

PSYC& 100 General psychology (5 credits)

The early childhood education associate of applied science degree will prepare you for immediate employment working with children as a family home care child care provider or assistant teacher. It is not intended to prepare you to transfer to a university or to teach in public schools. This degree aligns with Washington state core competencies for early care and education professionals Level 3.

Talk with your advisor about adapting this sequence for your individual goals.

Quarter 1 (15 credits)

ECED& 105 Introduction to early childhood education (5 credits)

ECED& 107 Health/safety/nutrition (5 credits)

ENGL& 101 English composition (5 credits)

Career exploration:

• Find your people!  Attend area-of-study activities and connect with clubs related to your career goals. Find out where students in your pathway go to study.

Action items:

• Meet with your advisor to build your degree plan in Starfish. Review the pathway and how it aligns with workforce requirements.
• Have your transfer-in credits officially evaluated.
• Visit the Intercultural Center, the Learning Center and the library.

Quarter 2 (15 credits)

ECED& 120 Practicum - nurturing relationships (2 credits)

ECED& 190 Observation, assessment & record keeping (3 credits)

EDUC& 115 Child development (5 credits)

Any CMST or CMST& designated OC (5 credits)
If you plan to apply for the stackable State ECE Certificate before you complete this degree, choose CMST& 101 or CMST& 210.

Career exploration:

• Start keeping a portfolio of your best work.

Quarter 3 (14 credits)

ECED& 180 Language/literacy development (3 credits)

ECED 236 Math and science (3 credits)

EDUC& 150 Child/family/community (3 credits)

Any course designated as Computation on the Related Instruction list (CP) (5 credits)

Career exploration:

• Look for a summer job or internship related to your career goals

Action items:

• Meet with the early childhood education program coordinator to choose your electives for Quarters 4, 5 and 6.

Quarter 4 (16 credits)

ART 155 Art for children (3 credits)

ECED& 132 Infants/toddlers care (3 credits)

ECED& 170 Learning environments for young children (3 credits)

Elective(s), as approved by program coordinator to form an ECE specialization (7 credits)

Career exploration:

• Listen to podcasts about early childhood education or the kind of career you're aiming for.

Action items:

• Meet with your advisor to update your degree plan. 
• Apply for next year's financial aid.

Quarter 5 (16 credits)

ECED& 160 Curriculum development (5 credits)

ECED 220 Music & movement (3 credits)

EDUC& 204 Exceptional child (5 credits)

Elective, as approved by program coordinator to form an ECE specialization (3 credits)

Action item:

• Apply to graduate.

Quarter 6 (16 credits)

ECED 290 Early childhood education internship (5 credits)

EDUC& 130 Guiding behavior (3 credits)

EDUC 250 Professionalism in the workplace (2 credits)

Elective(s), as approved by program coordinator to form an ECE specialization (6 credits)

The third of three stackable certificates. The early childhood education program prepares you for careers in working with children in early learning and care programs, Head Start, preschools, childcare centers & homes. Competencies are developed for assistant teacher positions Step 7 on the Washington state career lattice for early care and education professionals.

Talk with your advisor about adapting this sequence for your individual goals.

Quarter 1 (15 credits)

ECED& 105 Introduction to early childhood education (5 credits)

ECED& 107 Health/safety/nutrition (5 credits)

ENGL& 101 English composition (5 credits)

Career exploration:

• Find your people!  Attend area-of-study activities and connect with clubs related to your career goals. Find out where students in your pathway go to study.
• Start keeping a portfolio of your best work.

Action items:

• Meet with your advisor to build your degree plan in Starfish. Review the pathway and how it aligns with workforce requirements.
• Have your transfer-in credits officially evaluated.
• Visit the Intercultural Center, the Learning Center and the library.

Quarter 2 (15 credits)

ECED& 120 Practicum - nurturing relationships (2 credits)

ECED& 160 Curriculum development (5 credits)

ECED& 190 Observation, assessment & record keeping (3 credits)

EDUC& 115 Child development (5 credits)

Career exploration:

• Listen to podcasts about early childhood education or the kind of career you're aiming for.

Quarter 3 (14 credits)

ECED& 180 Language/literacy development (3 credits)

EDUC& 130 Guiding behavior (3 credits)

EDUC& 150 Child/family/community (3 credits)

MATH& 107 Math in society (5 credits)
or Any course designated as Computation on the Related Instruction list (CP) (5 credits)

Action item:

• Apply to graduate.

Quarter 4 (8 credits)

ECED& 170 Learning environments for young children (3 credits)

CMST& 101 Introduction to communication (5 credits)
or CMST& 210 Interpersonal communication (5 credits)

The second of three stackable certificates aligned with Washington state core competencies for early care and education professionals. Level 2 competencies are taught and assessed, enabling individuals to hold lead teacher positions with a specialty in administration.

If taken as a stand-alone certificate starting in fall quarter, this can only be completed on a part-time basis. If you are completing this certificate on the path toward completing the early childhood education certificate, AAS degree, or AAS-T degree, follow the respective course sequence.

A grade of "C" or better in each class is required to earn this certificate of proficiency.

Quarter 1 (12 credits)

ECED& 105 Introduction to early childhood education (5 credits)

ECED& 107 Health/safety/nutrition (5 credits)

ECED& 120 Practicum - nurturing relationships (2 credits)

Quarter 2 (5 credits)

EDUC& 115 Child development (5 credits)

Quarter 3 (3 credits)

ECED& 139 Administration of early learning programs (3 credits)

The second of three stackable certificates aligned with Washington state core competencies for early care and education professionals. Level 2 competencies are taught and assessed, enabling individuals to hold lead teacher positions with a specialty in administration.

If taken as a stand-alone certificate starting in fall quarter, this can only be completed on a part-time basis. If you are completing this certificate on the path toward completing the early childhood education certificate, AAS degree, or AAS-T degree, follow the respective course sequence.

A grade of "C" or better in each class is required to earn this certificate of proficiency.

Quarter 1 (12 credits)

ECED& 105 Introduction to early childhood education (5 credits)

ECED& 107 Health/safety/nutrition (5 credits)

ECED& 120 Practicum - nurturing relationships (2 credits)

Quarter 2 (5 credits)

EDUC& 115 Child development (5 credits)

Quarter 3 (3 credits)

ECED& 134 Family child care (3 credits)

The second of three stackable certificates aligned with Washington state core competencies for early care and education professionals. Level 2 competencies are taught and assessed, enabling individuals to hold lead teacher positions with a specialty in administration.

If you are are completing this certificate on the path toward completing the early childhood education certificate, AAS degree, or AAS-T degree, follow the respective course sequence.

A grade of "C" or better in each class is required to earn this certificate of proficiency.

Quarter 1 (15 credits)

ECED& 105 Introduction to early childhood education (5 credits)

ECED& 107 Health/safety/nutrition (5 credits)

ECED& 120 Practicum - nurturing relationships (2 credits)

EDUC& 130 Guiding behavior (3 credits)

Quarter 2 (5 credits)

EDUC& 115 Child development (5 credits)

The second of three stackable certificates aligned with Washington state core competencies for early care and education professionals. Level 2 competencies are taught and assessed, enabling individuals to hold lead teacher positions with a specialty in administration.

If taken as a stand-alone certificate starting in fall quarter, this can only be completed on a part-time basis. If you are completing this certificate on the path toward completing the early childhood education certificate, AAS degree, or AAS-T degree, follow the respective course sequence.

A grade of "C" or better in each class is required to earn this certificate of proficiency.

Quarter 1 (12 credits)

ECED& 105 Introduction to early childhood education (5 credits)

ECED& 107 Health/safety/nutrition (5 credits)

ECED& 120 Practicum - nurturing relationships (2 credits)

Quarter 2 (5 credits)

EDUC& 115 Child development (5 credits)

Quarter 3 (3 credits)

ECED& 138 Home visiting and family engagement (3 credits)

The second of three stackable certificates aligned with Washington state core competencies for early care and education professionals. Level 2 competencies are taught and assessed, enabling individuals to hold lead teacher positions with a specialty in administration.

If taken as a stand-alone certificate starting in fall quarter, this can only be completed on a part-time basis. If you are completing this certificate on the path toward completing the early childhood education certificate, AAS degree, or AAS-T degree, follow the respective course sequence.

A grade of "C" or better in each class is required to earn this certificate of proficiency.

Quarter 1 (12 credits)

ECED& 105 Introduction to early childhood education (5 credits)

ECED& 107 Health/safety/nutrition (5 credits)

ECED& 120 Practicum - nurturing relationships (2 credits)

Quarter 2 (5 credits)

EDUC& 115 Child development (5 credits)

Quarter 3 (3 credits)

ECED& 132 Infants/toddlers care (3 credits)

The second of three stackable certificates aligned with Washington state core competencies for early care and education professionals. Level 2 competencies are taught and assessed, enabling individuals to hold lead teacher positions with a specialty in administration.

If taken as a stand-alone certificate starting in fall quarter, this can only be completed on a part-time basis. If you are completing this certificate on the path toward completing the early childhood education certificate, AAS degree, or AAS-T degree, follow the respective course sequence.

A grade of "C" or better in each class is required to earn this certificate of proficiency.

Quarter 1 (12 credits)

ECED& 105 Introduction to early childhood education (5 credits)

ECED& 107 Health/safety/nutrition (5 credits)

ECED& 120 Practicum - nurturing relationships (2 credits)

Quarter 2 (5 credits)

EDUC& 115 Child development (5 credits)

Quarter 3 (3 credits)

ECED& 137 Outdoor learning for young children (3 credits)

The second of three stackable certificates of proficiency aligned with Washington state core competencies for early care and education professionals. Level 2 competencies are taught and assessed, enabling individuals to hold lead teacher positions with a specialty in administration.

If taken as a stand-alone certificate starting in fall quarter, this can only be completed on a part-time basis. If you are completing this certificate on the path toward completing the early childhood education certificate, AAS degree, or AAS-T degree, follow the respective course sequence.

A grade of "C" or better in each class is required to earn this certificate of proficiency.

Quarter 1 (12 credits)

ECED& 105 Introduction to early childhood education (5 credits)

ECED& 107 Health/safety/nutrition (5 credits)

ECED& 120 Practicum - nurturing relationships (2 credits)

Quarter 2 (5 credits)

EDUC& 115 Child development (5 credits)

Quarter 3 (3 credits)

EDUC& 136 School age care (3 credits)

The first of three stackable certificates, aligned with step 5 of Washington state's career lattice for early care and education professionals. Level 2 core competencies are taught and assessed, enabling assistant teachers to move to lead teacher positions in licensed childcare centers.

If you are are completing this certificate on the path toward completing the early childhood education certificate, AAS degree, or AAS-T degree, follow the respective course sequence.

A grade of "C" or better in each class is required to earn this certificate of proficiency.

Quarter 1 (12 credits)

ECED& 105 Introduction to early childhood education (5 credits)

ECED& 107 Health/safety/nutrition (5 credits)

ECED& 120 Practicum-nurturing relationships (2 credits)