12 Credits

This is an initial certificate that serves as a point of entry or a continuation of professional development from the Level One Core Competencies for Early Care and Education Professionals. The initial certificate is the first “stackable certificate” providing a foundation for the Early Childhood Education (ECE) State Credential and the ECE Associate of Applied Arts Degree. After completion, students are on Level 5 of the Washington State Career Lattice.

Contacts: Leslie Kessler, lkessler@greenriver.edu, Andee Church, achurch@greenriver.edu, Roberta Kim, rkim@greenriver.edu

Program Website:

Early Childhood Education | https://www.greenriver.edu/students/academics/areas-of-interest/program-maps/education-law-social-science/early-childhood-education/index.html

Program Outcomes:

Students who successfully complete this program will be able to:

1. Use developmental milestones and observations of children’s behavior as a foundation for planning appropriate activities.
2. Advocate for strategies that promote the cultural diversity of children, families and their communities.
3. Demonstrate effective written, verbal and non-verbal communication
4. Discuss current issues and trends in early childhood education.
5. Identify typical and atypical growth and development (cognitive, linguistic, motor, and social).
6. Positively support children’s whole development.
7. Display a positive attitude and enthusiasm for the job
8. Develop rapport and contribute to the work environment as a member of the instructional team.
9. Practice ethical and professional standards of conduct
10. Comply with laws (such as IDEA, Section 504, ADA), workplace policies, and procedures in relation to confidentiality, reporting of abuse, discipline, chain of command and delegation and supervision.
11. Design, set up and manage safe, healthy environments, spaces, equipment and materials which invite learning.
12. Discuss the dynamics of family structure.
13. Involve parents and community agencies in early childhood development.