
Education & Early Childhood Education
Our mission is preparing students with evidence-based knowledge, skills and competencies to support the education and care for children and families.
The Early Childhood Education (ECE) and Education programs are designed to provide students with an understanding of the cognitive, physical, social and emotional development of young children from birth to adolescence in diverse learning environments. Our programs believe that the needs of young children are best met by teachers and caregivers who are trained with a blend of classroom theory; interactive learning communities; and competency-based laboratory experiences, assignments, and projects as well as to develop career opportunity skills.
Our department is part of the Early Achiever program, which includes scholarship opportunities for ECE providers.
All training is based on the Washington State Core Competencies for early care and education professionals and NAEYC standards (National Association for Education of Young Children).
Degrees
Early Childhood Education, AAS
Students who earn an AAS degree in Early Childhood Education meet the requirements for the associate in arts degree and ECE Certificate/State Credential. As the student progresses through the degree requirements, she/he will be awarded the ECE Initial Certificate, the ECE Short Certificate of Specialization, and the ECE State Certificate. Be sure to check with an Education Department advisor to get the latest information.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Plan, implement, and evaluate meaningful curriculum and equitable teaching practices for young children.
- Analyze evidence-based and developmentally appropriate teaching and assessment strategies that reflect a culturally responsive and universal design for learning.
- Identify the multidimensional strategies and responsibilities of early childhood educators using culturally responsive and inclusive practices.
- Outline strategies to build collaborative partnerships with colleagues, families, community members, and organizations in order to support the early care education of young children.
Education & Early Childhood, AAS-T
This is a dual-purpose degree that is intended to prepare students for employment in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) field, as a general paraeducator, and/or for transfer to specific baccalaureate degree programs such as our Applied Baccalaureate Degree Program in Teacher Education. An AAS-T degree in ECE will prepare you for careers in early learning, childcare, policy, parent and family support and education. It is also a pathway to studies in teacher education, child and family studies, and other areas. Several four-year colleges and universities have specific bachelor’s degree programs that accept AAS-T degrees with agreed upon articulation agreements.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Plan, implement, and evaluate meaningful curriculum and equitable teaching practices for young children.
- Analyze evidence-based and developmentally appropriate teaching and assessment strategies that reflect a culturally responsive and universal design for learning.
- Identify the multidimensional strategies and responsibilities of early childhood educators using culturally responsive and inclusive practices.
- Outline strategies to build collaborative partnerships with colleagues, families, community members, and organizations in order to support the early care education of young children.
- Analyze the central concepts, foundational theories, and intellectual frameworks of education and teaching.
WSU Human Development ECE AAS-T
Students that complete an Associate of Arts and Sciences – Transfer (AAS-T) degree in Early Childhood Education at YVC will transition effectively to the Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Development at WSU. Students who complete the degree will be admitted to WSU with junior class standing in Human Development Program at WSU. This articulation agreement is under revision. Please see the Education advisor for current information.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Plan, implement, and evaluate meaningful curriculum and equitable teaching practices for young children.
- analyze evidence-based and developmentally appropriate teaching and assessment strategies that reflect a culturally responsive and universal design for learning.
- Identify the multidimensional strategies and responsibilities of early childhood educators using culturally responsive and inclusive practices.
- Outline strategies to build collaborative partnerships with colleagues, families, community members, and organizations in order to support the early care education of young children.
Teacher Education (K-12), AA-DTA
The Education department recommends that a student planning to transfer to a four-year university or college to pursue a degree in K-8 or secondary education, early childhood education, or children studies earn an associate in arts degree. While earning the associate in arts degree, the student should take required coursework for teacher preparation and/or basic studies. Since requirements vary by four-year institution, please see an education advisor to ensure that courses taken will meet requirements. Additional information on teacher preparation programs.
Paraeducator Preparation Training, AAS
The Paraeducator Preparation degree prepares graduates for employment as assistant teachers in public and private schools. The curriculum is based on the Washington State Core Competencies for Paraeducators and the Washington State Skill Standards for Paraeducators. Students who complete the paraeducator training are well prepared to support the learning of the diverse student population in inclusive educational settings.
Paraeducators, teacher assistants, and paraprofessionals are an integral part of the learning and teaching team. Under the supervision of the teachers, paraeducators assist with multiple levels of support in schools. Washington State has two distinct efforts to provide assistance for paraeducators. The law states in Section 1119(g) that all paraprofessionals who are performing instructional duties and are funded with Title I funds, including all paraprofessionals performing instructional duties in a schoolwide building, must meet specific requirements.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Identify evidence-based strategies to support educational outcomes.
- Apply the concepts of professionalism and ethical practice to the educational setting.
- Evaluate strategies to support a positive and safe learning environment.
- Examine effective Communication and teamwork in the educational setting.
- Analyze strategies that support cultural competency in an educational setting.
CWU – Transfer Degree in Teacher Education
This program is a joint effort between YVC and CWU to provide coursework for earning a Baccalaureate degree in elementary education on the Yakima campus. The Elementary Education major, offered by CWU’s Department of Education, Development, Teaching and Learning (EDTL), prepares teacher candidates to be outstanding k-8 educational leaders and facilitators of learning. Students who complete this major may be eleigible for a State of Washington certificate with an endorsement in elelmentary K-8 teaching. CWU- Yakima contact information: Melanie Palm, 509.963.3710.
CWU – Secondary Degree in Teacher Education
This program is a joint effort between YVC and CWU to provide coursework for earning a Baccalaureate degree in elementary or secondary education with multiple programs and certification options on the regional campus in Yakima. It provides a course of study for persons desiring to teach children in K-12 schools. The College of Education – Professional Education Program at CWU offers middle-level and/or secondary endorsements. The College of Education – Professional Education Program at CWU offers middle-level and/or secondary endorsements. CWU- Yakima contact information: Melanie Palm, 509.963.3710.
Stackable Certificates
The Early Child Education (ECE) Certificates are a stackable certificate program designed to meet Washington State requirements in ECE professional development. These certificates are not degrees but do meet some AA degree requirements. YVC Education and ECE Department offer the following Certificates:
Initial Certificate
Students can earn this certificate as the starting point of their careers or to continue their professional development. The certificate focuses on competencies comparable to those of the Child Development Associate (CDA). This provides the foundation for the ECE State Certificate and associate degree. Courses include a 5-credit Introduction to Early Childhood Education; a 5-credit Health, Safety and Nutrition course, and a 2-credit Nurturing Relationships course.
State ECE Certificate
This certificate is a study of children, techniques for working with children, and specific subject area of Early Childhood Education. The State ECE Certificate is third in a series of three stackable certificates designed to meet the Washington State guidelines for employment. Upon completion of State ECE Certificate, successful students will have demonstrated the ability to apply their skills and knowledge in the following ways:
- Acquire, interpret, and use information and resources that support industry defined appropriate practice.
- Work as a team member and demonstrate respect for diversity in an early childhood environment to accomplish family, child, and program goals.
- Effectively communicate in various ways in the context of early childhood settings.
ECE General Certificate
This Short Specialization Certificate is second in a series of three stackable certificates designed to meet the Washington State guidelines for those individuals interested in working in settings structured specifically for the young child, early education programs such as licensed childcare and Head Start. The WA ECE General Certificate is the second of the “stackable ECE certificates” providing a foundation for those specializing in general careers related to early childhood.
Family Child Care Certificate
This Short Specialization Certificate is second in a series of three stackable certificates designed to meet the Washington State guidelines for those individuals interested in working in settings structured specifically for the young child, early education programs such as licensed childcare and Head Start. The WA State Family Child Care Certificate is the second of the “stackable ECE certificates” providing a foundation for those specializing in family and home-based childcare.
Infant-Toddler Care Certificate
This Short Specialization Certificate is second in a series of three stackable certificates designed to meet the Washington State guidelines for those individuals interested in working in settings structured specifically for the young child, early education programs such as licensed childcare and Head Start. The WA State Infant-Toddler Certificate is the second of the “stackable ECE certificates” providing a foundation for those specializing in caring for children ages birth to 3.
School Age Care Certificate
This Short Specialization Certificate is second in a series of three stackable certificates designed to meet the Washington State guidelines for those individuals interested in working in settings structured specifically for the young child, early education programs such as licensed childcare and Head Start. The WA State School Age Care Certificate is the second of the “stackable ECE certificates” providing a foundation for those specializing in careers in school age care (ages 5-18).
Information for the Spanish Cohort
Are you Spanish-speaking students that are new to the program? Or are you thinking of applying?
Contact Information
ECE/EDUC Department
Sundquist Hall
Building 21, Room 141
Phone: 509.834.4590
Fax: 509.834.4525
educationdept@yvcc.edu