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.
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.
DEGREES
Early Childhood Education, Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
Early Childhood Education, Associate in Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T)
CERTIFICATES
Early Childhood Education Administration Specialization Short Term Certificate
Early Childhood Education State Short Term Certificate
Early Childhood Education General Specialization Short Term Certificate
Early Childhood Education Infants and Toddlers Specialization Short Term Certificate
Early Childhood Education Family Child Care Specialization Short Term Certificate
Early Childhood Education School Age Care Specialization Short Term Certificate