Early Childhood Education | Peninsula College

children on scooters on playground

What You’ll Learn

Enroll in the Early Childhood Education program and you’ll understand the theories behind teaching and managing young children, learn how to work with families, and gain practical experience working with children at Peninsula College’s Early Childhood Development Center.

Early childhood education courses train you to support young children in managing their emotions and behaviors in a positive way. Because training in childhood behavioral management techniques can be applied to any age, you’ll also learn to handle a variety of behavioral concerns at home and in the workplace—even if you don’t work with children.

Certificates

Short-term certificates are stackable, which means they’ll add up to an Early Childhood Education State Certificate and the associate in applied science in Early Childhood Education.

Complete your 47-credit Early Childhood Education State Certificate and you’ll be ready to work as a nanny, family childcare provider, preschool teacher, or respite care provider for children with special needs.

Degrees

Take 90 credits in Early Childhood Education and earn your associate in applied science (AAS) degree. You’ll graduate ready to pursue a career as a director of a childcare center, childcare provider, nanny, Head Start specialist, or elementary school paraeducator.

Want to keep going? Your AAS degree in early childhood education will transfer toward a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree in management or behavioral healthcare right here at Peninsula College.

Program Information

ECE courses are based on Washington State Skill Standards for the Early Childhood and School-Age Care Professions.

You may enter the program during any quarter on a full-time or part-time basis. Most courses have an online component, and several courses are offered entirely online. All Early Childhood Education (ECE) courses and selected Education (EDUC) courses are state-approved training (STARS-approved training) for continuing education.

Learning Outcomes

Use evidence-based information about child development and learning to critically think and implement equitable teaching practices.
Demonstrate effective relationship building skills with children, families, and community members.
Utilize appropriate observation, documentation, and assessment information to support children’s development and families.
Apply developmentally appropriate practices when working with children and families.
Plan, implement, and evaluate meaningful curriculum for young children.
Demonstrate personal characteristics, knowledge, and skills necessary to provide programs that facilitate children’s learning in a professional manner.

Funding Information

Are you unemployed? Recently divorced? A veteran? You may be eligible for Worker Retraining funding, which covers tuition, fees, and books. Worker Retraining funding does not have to be paid back, so check to see if you qualify.

Does your family of four make less than six figures? Don't forget to check if you might qualify for funding from the Washington College Grant.