Program Description
Do you want to be an exceptional teacher for children? By studying Early Childhood Education at SPSCC, you will be a part of a diverse group of students who want to be part of teaching children between ages birth and 8. You will work with professors and teachers who are long-time and current practitioners of early childhood care in classes that are rooted both in theory and in practical, real-world experience.
Career Opportunities
- Child, Family, and School Social Worker
- Education and Childcare Administrator
- Kindergarten Teacher
- Childcare Worker
State Stackable Certificate Requirements
Prerequisite for State Early Childhood Education Certificate: Completed Initial Certificate and Short Certificate of Specialization
South Puget Sound Community College believes that all students need to develop a broad range of abilities that will not only make them more effective in their professional pursuits but will enhance their capacity to relate well to others in their daily lives. At the end of this program students will:
At the completion for the Early Childhood Education Program, the successful student will be able to:
- Critically thinking in order to analyze, evaluate and solve problems using multiple methodologies
- Having multicultural awareness thru exhibiting an understanding of the ways economic, political, social, and culture factors impact identity and interactions
- Computation through identification, understanding and communicating the differences between quantitative and qualitative date and be able to explain results
- Demonstrating ethics through identifying complex ethical issues and recognizing and evaluating interrelationships of related issues
- Communicating effectively through written and verbal communications skills
The SPSCC college-wide abilities are embedded into each program:
- Analytical Reasoning
- Effective Communication
- Information Literacy
- Multicultural Awareness
- Social Responsibility
Students will also demonstrate an understanding of the key elements of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards for Early Childhood Professional Preparation (www.naeyc.org) and the Washington State Department of Early Learning Core Competencies for Early Care and Education Professionals (www.dcyf.wa.gov/publications-library/eps_0023).
Courses by Quarter (Pathway Map)
Check with your advisor to determine where you will start. Advisors must approve changes to academic plan.
Pre-College Level
Course List | Code | Title | Credits |
| 1 - 7.5 |
| Applied Math I | |
| Applied Math II | |
| Contextualized Math I | |
| 1 - 10 |
| ESOL Level I (Beginning Literacy) | |
| ESOL Level II (Low Beginning) | |
| ESOL Level III (High Beginning) | |
| ESOL Level IV (Low Intermediate) | |
| ESOL Level V (High Intermediate) | |
| ESOL Level VI (Advanced) | |
| ABE Language Arts III (Low Intermediate Language Arts) | |
| ABE Language Arts IV (High Intermediate Language Arts) | |
| ABE Language Arts V (Adult Secondary Level Language Arts) | |
| MATH 092 | Mathematical Reasoning | 5 |
| or ABE 065 | Contextualized Math II |
| ENGL 090 | Integrated Reading and Writing I | 5 |
| or ENGL 095 | Integrated Reading and Writing II |
| CCS 101 | Pathways to Success | 3 |
College Level
This certificate is a total of 50 credits.
CCS 101 Pathways to Success is a required course for all students. Skip if already taken in Pre-College.
Advising Notes
***Required indicates that students must take one of the specific courses listed. Any substitution would require Advisor and Department approval.
***Recommended indicates that Pathway faculty recommend the courses listed, but other courses may fulfill the degree requirement. Students should consult with Advisor about additional course options.
- Students will complete a Background check, TB test, MMR vaccine, First Aid/CPR as part of this program per state requirements.
- Check online schedule for designated start and end dates of shared courses, as dates may vary.
Pathway Notes
Course List | Code | Title | Credits |
| ECED& 105 | Introduction to Early Childhood Education 1 | 5 |
| ECED& 107 | Health/Safety/Nutrition 1 | 5 |
| ECED& 120 | Practicum-Nurturing Relationship 1 | 2 |
| CCS 101 | Pathways to Success | 3 |
| EDUC& 115 | Child Development 2 | 5 |
| ENGL 098 | Transitional English Composition | 5 |
| or ENGL& 101 | English Composition I |
| EDUC& 130 | Guiding Behavior 2 | 3 |
| MATH 101 | Technical Mathematics I 3 | 5 |
| or CMATH 107 | Clippers Math In Society |
| ECED& 170 | Environments-Young Child 4/Sp | 3 |
| ECED& 190 | Observation/Assessment | 3 |
| 5 | 3-5 |
| Child Care Basics Su | |
| Infants/Toddlers Care F/Sp | |
| Family Child Care F | |
| Home Visiting and Family Engagement Sp | |
| Administrative Early Learning Program Su/W | |
| School Age Care W | |
| EDUC& 150 | Child/Family/Community F | 3 |
| ECED& 180 | Lang/Literacy Develop W | 3 |
| ECED& 160 | Curriculum Development W | 5 |
