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Quality early childhood education programs (birth through age eight) can have both short- and long-term positive effects on young children and their families. A career in early childhood education presents an opportunity and responsibility to make a difference in how we care for our nation's children.
The Early Childhood Education program is designed to prepare people to work with young children and parents in a variety of settings. Classes help adults to increase their understanding of the physical, intellectual, emotional and social development of children and families, and to apply developmentally appropriate guidance and curriculum methods to meet the individual and group needs of children and their families.
Classes are offered on-line, hybrid, and face to face. Day, evening and some Saturday classes are available; students may attend full- or part-time. Students can begin the ECE program in any quarter.
See the college catalog for program requirements or contact the ECE office for more information.
Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education
Pierce College offers an associate degree program in Early Childhood Education which prepares individuals to teach young children in a variety of settings, including:
- Head Start
- The Early Childhood Education Assistance Program (ECEAP)
- Child Care
- Family Day Care Homes
- Cooperative pre-schools
- Private nursery schools
Students fulfill practicum and student teaching experiences in the college laboratory school on the Fort Steilacoom campus and in community child-care centers and special education and Head Start/ECEAP classrooms.
Graduates with the Associate in Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T) Degree in Early Childhood Education can apply to the Bachelor of Applied Science in Teaching. This program leads to teacher licensure with endorsements in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special Education. There are also a variety of other transfer options to continue in fields such as Early Childhood Education, Children's Studies, and Human Development.
To transfer to a four-year college or university, students may choose to complete an A.A.S. (Associate of Arts and Sciences) with electives in ECE, or complete both the ECE and A.A.S. degrees. Graduates can transfer into a wide variety of disciplines, including:
- Early Childhood Education
- K-3 elementary education
- Special education
- Child psychology
- Social services
- Family studies
State Initial Early Childhood Education Certificate
The Initial Certificate may be a point of entry or a continuation of professional development from the Level 1 Core Competencies for Early Care and Education Professionals. This 12 credit course package teaches to and assesses for the competencies comparable to the Child Development Associate (CDA). Unlike the CDA, there is no assessment fee or renewal requirement; rather the Initial Certificate is the first "stackable certificate" providing a foundation for the ECE State Credential and Associate degree.
The program is designed to prepare students to work with young children and parents in a variety of settings. Classes help adults increase their understanding of the physical, intellectual, emotional and social development of children and to apply developmentally appropriate guidance and curriculum methods to meet the individual and group needs of children and their families.
State Short Early Childhood Education Certificate of Specialization
The Short Certificate builds on the Initial Certificate as the second "stackable certificate". At this point developing professionals have 5 choices: ECE General, Infant-Toddler Care, School-Age Care, Family Child Care, and ECE Administration.
State Short Early Childhood Education Certificate of Specialization: Infants and Toddlers
Infant-Toddler Specialists work with young children from birth to age 3 in a variety of early care and education programs. It is the responsibility of the Infant-Toddler Specialist to both nurture and provide developmentally appropriate education in safe, supportive environments. The primary role of the specialist is to build relationships with the child and the child's family members. The specialist recognizes and honors the culture and needs of the families in all aspects of the program.
State Short Early Childhood Education Certificate of Specialization: School-Age Care
School-Age Specialists work with children age 5-12yrs in a variety of programs outside of the elementary school schedule. The School-Age Specialist is required to have skills to provide developmentally appropriate and culturally relevant activities and care, specifically: preparing the environment, implementing curriculum, building relationships, guiding academic /social skill development, and community outreach.
State Short Early Childhood Education Certificate of Specialization: Family Child Care
Family home providers serve as the business manager and children's caregiver in a home-based business. With or without assistants most providers care for a mixed age range from infants to age 12 on a daily basis; other providers serve a limited age group. In managing the home-based business the provider maintains all records and manages the budget. In the caregiver role, the provider plans and carries out activities that meet the needs and interests of the children. It is crucial that the caregiver maintains a safe, clean and healthy environment and provides nutritious meals and snacks. Developing partnerships with families is key.
State Short Early Childhood Education Certificate of Specialization: Administration
Administrators of Early Learning programs in general are responsible for the overall management of the program's facility and operation; ensuring the program follows minimum licensing requirements, accreditation standards, or other formal / informal standards. The role of administrator or director requires knowledge and skills both in early childhood education/ development and in business practices. The job includes all aspects of program and people management and leadership in order to bring the best to children, families, staff members and the larger community.