Early Childhood Education

Work in programs for young children is a challenging, absorbing, and personally rewarding career. In Clark College’s Early Childhood Education program, students study child development and program organization, plan learning experiences for young children, and develop guidance skills in working with children.

The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Department offers various certificates of achievement. As part of each certificate program, students are required to complete prescribed numbers of hours doing student teaching and/or observation in the Child and Family Studies program under the supervision of selected staff as well as in the community at large.

Programs are revised periodically to reflect changes in the specific career field. The following schedule is an example of the coursework required for each program. Some of the classes are offered only in the quarter specified; however, not all of the classes must be taken in the exact timeframe listed here. Students planning to complete this program must meet with an advisor prior to registration for a current list of requirements.

Students must complete all major area requirements with a minimum grade of “C” or better in order to successfully complete the program and earn the award.

Evidence of completion of "Building Blocks" or equivalent STARS 20 hour required training ¹ or Proof of Exemption from this requirement ².

¹ "Building Blocks" is one of several formats for the 20-hour guidebook training that is required by law (as of 2000) in the State of Washington for all Family Day Care Providers.

² Contact Washington STARS for a list of exemptions at https://wws2.wa.gov/dshs/stars/ or at 1-800-727-3107.

* PSYC 211 may be substituted for ECE 100.