Early Childhood Education

Early learning covers all aspects of a child's growth and development from birth to 3rd grade. During these critical eight years, children acquire essential skills and undergo significant development in physical, social, emotional, and cognitive areas. Their early experiences set the foundation for future success in school and in life. Early learning professionals offer knowledgeable, high-quality care and education to help young children reach their full potential.

Early Childhood Education Degree Options

Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education BAS

Program Length: Two years for full-time students. (Full-time is 12 credits or more)
Costs Per Year: $7,572 tuition and fees
Program Map: Early Learning, BAS

View in Catalog: Early Learning, BAS

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Career

Educators work with children, families, and communities in a variety of roles including infant/toddler programs, preschools, Head Start, ECEAPs, and elementary (K-8) schools. Graduates with this degree may also find careers as coaches, trainers, or family support specialists.

Early Childhood Education Associate in Applied Science AAS

Program Length: Two years for full-time students. (Full-time is 12 credits or more)
Costs per year: $4,740 tuition and fees
Program Map: Early Childhood Education, AAS

Catalog: Early Childhood Education, AAS

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Career

Statewide Stackable Certificates

In Washington state, early learning professionals can advance their education by earning “stackable” certificates. Stackable certificates are part of Washington’s system of early childhood education (ECE) statewide credentials. Students may earn stackable certificates. Each certificate includes required courses that build on each other in a sequence. This structure helps deepen students’ applied learning as they progress. View Early Childhood Pathway Diagram

Stackable Certificate 1
The Initial ECE State Certificate. This a 12 credit short state required certificate. This the first stackable certificate.
Stackable Certificate 2
Students may select one or more short certificate of specializations to build on their State Initial Certificate.
Stackable Certificate 3
ECE State Certificate, students will also need to complete the Initial ECE State Certificate + a Short Certificate of Specialization.

Stackable Certificate 1: State Early Childhood Initial Certificate C

View in Catalog: Early Childhood Education Short State Certificate: Initial

This certificate program is the first step in a pathway for students interested in working in the field of early childhood education.

Stackable Certificate 2: Short Certificates of Specialization C

Stackable Certificate 3: Early Childhood Education State Certificate C

This is the final stackable certificate. To complete this certificate, students will also need to complete the Initial ECE Certificate + a Short Certificate of Specialization.

After Highline College

The AAS in Early Childhood Education prepares you for a variety of roles with young children (birth to 8). The curriculum is grounded in equity, developmentally appropriate practices, and inclusion of families and communities. It offers career opportunities and a smooth transition into the BAS in Early Childhood Education.

Complete a Professional Technical Certificate in one year or less and start work immediately or transfer to an AAS degree option.

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