Associate in Applied Science
Early Childhood Education
email: education@bigbend.edu
The Early Childhood Education Program (ECE) offers certificates to meet the requirements of Steps 5, 6, 7 of Level 2 on the Washington State Career Lattice for Early Care and Education Professionals. Students begin with coursework to obtain a State Initial Early Childhood Education Certificate (12 credits-Step 5). These same 12 credits apply toward the Short Certification in Early Childhood Education (20 credits-Step 6). The 20 credits from the Short Certificate of Specialization in Early Childhood Education apply toward the State Early Childhood Education Certificate (54 credits--Step 7). The credits earned in the “State Early Childhood Education Certificate” apply toward the 90+-credit Associate in Applied Science in Early Childhood Education degree (Steps 8 & 9).
Many of the ECE courses are offered once a year; however, classes are offered in the evening and online to allow individuals to work and attend school.
Degrees and Certificates
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Early Childhood Education AAS, -
Early Childhood Education AAS-T, Associate in Applied Science-Transfer -
State Early Childhood Education Certificate of Achievement, Certificate -
State Initial Early Childhood Education Certificate of Accomplishment, Certificate -
State Short Certificate of Specialization – Administration Certificate of Accomplishment, Certificate -
State Short Certificate of Specialization – Family Child Care Certificate of Accomplishment, Certificate -
State Short Certificate of Specialization – General Certificate of Accomplishment, Certificate -
State Short Certificate of Specialization – Home Visitor/Family Engagement Certificate of Accomplishment, Certificate -
State Short Certificate of Specialization – Infant/Toddler Certificate of Accomplishment, Certificate -
State Short Certificate of Specialization – School Age Care Certificate of Accomplishment, Certificate
Courses
ECED& 105: Intro Early Child Ed
Credits 5Explore the foundations of early childhood education. Examine theories defining the field, issues, and trends, best practices, and program models. Observe children, professionals and programs in action. Course may include fieldwork. (Formerly: ECE 100)
ECED& 107: Health/Safety/Nutrition
Credits 5This course introduces basic concepts of equitable health, safety and nutrition standards for the growing child in group care and education programs. Requirements as outlined in Child Care Block Grant funding (CCDF) and state licensing standards for child care providers will be covered including the knowledge and skills to ensure appropriate health, nutritional, and safety practices. In addition, the course will emphasize the skills necessary to recognize signs of child maltreatment, the educator s role as a mandated reporter and the process of identifying and referring families to available community resources. Course may include fieldwork. (Formerly: ECE 105)
ECED& 120: Practicum-Nurturing Rel
Credits 2In an early learning setting, engage in establishing nurturing, supportive relationships with all children and professional peers. Focus on children's health & safety, promoting growth & development, and creating a culturally responsive environment. Students are required to complete 33 hours of child observations and interactions in a preschool classroom environment.
ECED& 132: Infants/Toddlers Care
Credits 3Examine the unique developmental needs of infants and toddlers. Study the role of the caregiver, relationships with families, developmentally appropriate practices, nurturing environments for infants and toddlers, and culturally relevant care. Course may include fieldwork. (Formerly: ECE 108)
ECED& 134: Family Childcare Management
Credits 3Learn how to manage a family childcare program. Topics include: licensing requirements, record-keeping, relationship building, communication strategies, guiding behavior, and promoting growth and development. Course may include fieldwork.
ECED& 138: Home Visiting & Family Engagement
Credits 3Plan and provide home visits and group activities that promote secure parent-child relationships and support families to provide high-quality early learning experiences that are embedded in everyday routines and experiences. Course may include fieldwork.
ECED& 139: Admin of Early Lrng Prog.
Credits 3Develop administrative skills required to develop, open, operate, manage, and improve early childhood education and care programs. Acquire basic business management skills. Explore resources and supports for meeting Washington State licensing and professional NAEYC standards. Course may include fieldwork. (Formerly: ECE 160)
ECED& 160: Curriculum Development
Credits 5Investigate learning theory, program planning, tools and methods for curriculum development promoting language, fine/gross motor, social-emotional, cognitive and creative skills and growth in children birth through age 8 utilizing developmentally appropriate practice. Course may include fieldwork. (Formerly: ECE 230)
ECED& 170: Environments-Young Child
Credits 3This class focuses on the adults role in designing, evaluating, and improving indoor and outdoor environments that ensure quality learning, nurturing experiences, and optimize the development of young children. Course may include fieldwork. (Formerly: ECE 135)
ECED& 180: Lang/Literacy Develop
Credits 3Teaching strategies for language acquisition and literacy skill development are examined at each developmental stage (birth-age 8) through the four interrelated areas of speaking, listening, writing, and reading. Course may include fieldwork. (Formerly: ECE 250)
ECED& 190: Observation /Assessment
Credits 3Collect and record observation data in order to plan for and support the child, the family, the group and the community. Practice reflection techniques, summarizing conclusions and communicating findings. Course may include fieldwork.
ECED 122: Science and Math for Young Children
Credits 4This course provides a study of the cognitive and motor development of young children as it applies to math and science conceptual development. Students will learn to research, create and plan assessment of math and science pedagogy, and develop curriculum and materials for the early childhood learning environment.