Make a Difference
Do you love children? Have you ever felt the reward of teaching something? Perhaps you've considered that you may become a parent one day. In early childhood education, you can discover all the ways teachers inspire and change lives. From psychology to nutrition, you can learn the basics of how to professionally care for and teach children. Discover the joy of shaping lives through education and find out how you want to change the world, one child at a time.
The Washington Department of Early Learning (DEL) created a set of core competencies for early care and education professionals. Our Child Care program is aligned with the Community and Technical College Board so that you can earn twelve tech-prep college credits.
You must pass a Washington State Control Background Check
You must have a Driver License OR transportation to Early Learning Facilities
You must pass a TB Test and/or Inoculation
You must have a First Aid/CPR Card
Teaching assistant, early childhood education teacher, elementary school teacher, principal, and more!
You’ll begin your classes in 11th grade by enrolling in Child Psychology/Child Care Basics. See your
counselor for details.
If you meet specific state requirements, you can work at a childcare center or become a teaching assistant.
A two-year associate’s degree in education or your ECE (Early Childhood Education) certificate offers opportunities to become a childcare worker, teaching assistant, or preschool teacher.
With a four-year bachelor’s degree in education, you can become a certified teacher and teach K-12. If you are interested in teaching in middle or secondary school, you’ll be advised to also major in the subject you wish to eventually teach, such as music, mathematics, history, biology, or English. You can continue on and earn your master’s degree or a Ph.D. and teach higher, college-level courses.
Child Psychology/Field Experience | 0.5 |
Early Childhood Education (ECE) 101/102 | 3 |
Careers in Education 201/202 | 3 |
6.5 credit(s) |
CIE Career in Education 101 ENG ‐ 0.5 Credit(s)
Duration ‐ One semester; 0.5 credits
Prerequisite ‐ Junior or senior standing, must provide own transportation
Fees and Costs ‐ None
This course provides a study of a child’s physical, social, emotional, and mental development from prenatal to birth to school age. First aid will be reviewed earning students their first aid/CPR/AED certification. Students will also learn about meal preparation and earn their food-handlers permit. This is a good course for students who are exploring future careers with children and gaining valuable experience in working with children. As part of this course, students are placed in an elementary or child-care facility, to gain practical experience throughout the school year. Students will earn their STARS credentials to work in licensed child care when they complete 10 assessments in the curriculum with 70% accuracy. Students earning a B grade or better may earn their ECE Initial certificate and receive 12 college credits through the Washington State Stackable Credentials program that are accepted at YVCC and at colleges across the state.
Part of CIE 101 3 period block & CIE 102 3 period block
Dual Credit: YVC & Washington State Stackable Certificates - ECE Statewide Credentials - Initial ECE Certificate
STARS ECED&100: 3 Credits
CIE Career in Education 102 ENG ‐ 0.5 Credit(s)
Duration ‐ One semester; 0.5 credits
Prerequisite ‐ Junior or senior standing, must provide own transportation
Fees and Costs ‐ None
This course provides a study of a child’s physical, social, emotional, and mental development from prenatal to birth to school age. First aid will be reviewed earning students their first aid/CPR/AED certification. Students will also learn about meal preparation and earn their food-handlers permit. This is a good course for students who are exploring future careers with children and gaining valuable experience in working with children. As part of this course, students are placed in an elementary or child-care facility, to gain practical experience throughout the school year. Students will earn their STARS credentials to work in licensed child care when they complete 10 assessments in the curriculum with 70% accuracy. Students earning a B grade or better may earn their ECE Initial certificate and receive 12 college credits through the Washington State Stackable Credentials program that are accepted at YVCC and at colleges across the state.
Part of CIE 101 - 3 period block & CIE 102 - 3 period block
Dual Credit: YVC & Washington State Stackable Certificates - ECE Statewide Credentials - Initial ECE Certificate
STARS ECED&100: 3 Credits
CIE Career in Education 201 ENG ‐ 0.5 Credit(s)
Duration ‐ One semester; 0.5 credits
Prerequisite ‐ Successful completion of CIE ENG 101 and 102
Fees and Costs ‐ None
Building upon what was learned in the ECE 101 and 102 courses, students develop and practice skills essential for successful educational professional and teaching careers. Students are introduced to an overview of American public education, teaching as a career, professional competencies, and certifications. Working with a teacher mentor, students will develop lessons to be taught in their practicum placement in local elementary classrooms. In addition, Careers in Education students will learn about educational topics such as special education, dropout prevention, technology utilization for educational practices, family and community services, the importance of co-curricular and extra-curricular opportunities, history of public education, as well as legal issues in education. This Careers in Education course is partnered with local colleges for college credit opportunities for students, allowing students who successfully complete the program to receive college credits.
In the spring, students will take the ETS Paraeducator Test. Students who earn a qualifying score will be able to be employed as a paraeducator after graduation.
Part of CIE 201 - 3 period block & CIE 202 - 3 period block
Dual Credit: YVC & Washington State Stackable Certificates - ECE Statewide Credentials - ECE General Certificate
CIE Career in Education 202 ENG ‐ 0.5 Credit(s)
Duration ‐ One semester; 0.5 credits
Prerequisite ‐ Successful completion of CIE ENG 201
Fees and Costs ‐ None
Building upon what was learned in the ECE 101 and 102 courses, students develop and practice skills essential for successful educational professional and teaching careers. Students are introduced to an overview of American public education, teaching as a career, professional competencies, and certifications. Working with a teacher mentor, students will develop lessons to be taught in their practicum placement in local elementary classrooms. In addition, Careers in Education students will learn about educational topics such as special education, dropout prevention, technology utilization for educational practices, family and community services, the importance of co-curricular and extra-curricular opportunities, history of public education, as well as legal issues in education. This Careers in Education course is partnered with local colleges for college credit opportunities for students, allowing students who successfully complete the program to receive college credits.
In the spring, students will take the ETS Paraeducator Test. Students who earn a qualifying score will be able to be employed as a paraeducator after graduation.
Part of CIE 201 - 3 period block & CIE 202 - 3 period block
Dual Credit: YVC & Washington State Stackable Certificates - ECE Statewide Credentials - ECE General Certificate
CWU EFC 250 – Introduction to Education: 4 Credits - In Approval Process
CIE Career in Education 101 SCI ‐ 0.5 Credit(s)
Duration ‐ One semester; 0.5 credits
Prerequisite ‐ Junior or senior standing, must provide your own transportation
Fees and Costs ‐ None
This course provides a study of a child’s physical, social, emotional, and mental development from prenatal to birth to school age. First aid will be reviewed earning students their first aid/CPR/AED certification. Students will also learn about meal preparation and earn their food-handlers permit. This is a good course for students who are exploring future careers with children and gaining valuable experience in working with children. As part of this course, students are placed in an elementary or child-care facility, to gain practical experience throughout the school year. Students will earn their STARS credentials to work in licensed child care when they complete 10 assessments in the curriculum with 70% accuracy. Students earning a B grade or better may earn their ECE Initial certificate and receive 12 college credits through the Washington State Stackable Credentials program that are accepted at YVCC and at colleges across the state.
Part of CIE 101 - 3 period block & CIE 102 - 3 period block
Dual Credit: YVC & Washington State Stackable Certificates - ECE Statewide Credentials - Initial ECE Certificate
STARS ECED&100: 3 Credits
CIE Career in Education 102 SCI ‐ 0.5 Credit(s)
Duration ‐ One semester; 0.5 credits
Prerequisite ‐ Junior or senior standing, must provide own transportation
Fees and Costs ‐ None
This course provides a study of a child’s physical, social, emotional, and mental development from prenatal to birth to school age. First aid will be reviewed earning students their first aid/CPR/AED certification. Students will also learn about meal preparation and earn their food-handlers permit. This is a good course for students who are exploring future careers with children and gaining valuable experience in working with children. As part of this course, students are placed in an elementary or child-care facility, to gain practical experience throughout the school year. Students will earn their STARS credentials to work in licensed child care when they complete 10 assessments in the curriculum with 70% accuracy. Students earning a B grade or better may earn their ECE Initial certificate and receive 12 college credits through the Washington State Stackable Credentials program that are accepted at YVCC and at colleges across the state.
Part of CIE 101 - 3 period block & CIE 102 - 3 period block
Dual Credit: YVC & Washington State Stackable Certificates - ECE Statewide Credentials - Initial ECE Certificate
STARS ECED&100: 3 Credits
CIE Career in Education 101 OCC ED ‐ 0.5 Credit(s)
Duration ‐ One semester; 0.5 credits
Prerequisite ‐ Junior or senior standing, must provide own transportation
Fees and Costs ‐ None
This course provides a study of a child’s physical, social, emotional, and mental development from prenatal to birth to school age. First aid will be reviewed earning students their first aid/CPR/AED certification. Students will also learn about meal preparation and earn their food-handlers permit. This is a good course for students who are exploring future careers with children and gaining valuable experience in working with children. As part of this course, students are placed in an elementary or child-care facility, to gain practical experience throughout the school year. Students will earn their STARS credentials to work in licensed child care when they complete 10 assessments in the curriculum with 70% accuracy. Students earning a B grade or better may earn their ECE Initial certificate and receive 12 college credits through the Washington State Stackable Credentials program that are accepted at YVCC and at colleges across the state.
Part of CIE 101 - 3 period block & CIE 102 - 3 period block
Dual Credit: YVC & Washington State Stackable Certificates - ECE Statewide Credentials - Initial ECE Certificate
STARS ECED&100: 3 Credits
CIE Career in Education 102 OCC ED ‐ 0.5 Credit(s)
Duration ‐ One semester; 0.5 credits
Prerequisite ‐ Junior or senior standing, must provide own transportation
Fees and Costs ‐ None
This course provides a study of a child’s physical, social, emotional, and mental development from prenatal to birth to school age. First aid will be reviewed earning students their first aid/CPR/AED certification. Students will also learn about meal preparation and earn their food-handlers permit. This is a good course for students who are exploring future careers with children and gaining valuable experience in working with children. As part of this course, students are placed in an elementary or child-care facility, to gain practical experience throughout the school year. Students will earn their STARS credentials to work in licensed child care when they complete 10 assessments in the curriculum with 70% accuracy. Students earning a B grade or better may earn their ECE Initial certificate and receive 12 college credits through the Washington State Stackable Credentials program that are accepted at YVCC and at colleges across the state.
Part of CIE 101 - 3 period block & CIE 102 - 3 period block
Dual Credit: YVC & Washington State Stackable Certificates - ECE Statewide Credentials - Initial ECE Certificate
STARS ECED&100: 3 Credits
CIE Career in Education 201 OCC ED ‐ 0.5 Credit(s)
Duration ‐ One semester; 0.5 credits
Prerequisite ‐ Successful completion of CIE OCC ED 101 and 102
Fees and Costs ‐ None
Building upon what was learned in the ECE 101 and 102 courses, students develop and practice skills essential for successful educational professional and teaching careers. Students are introduced to an overview of American public education, teaching as a career, professional competencies, and certifications. Working with a teacher mentor, students will develop lessons to be taught in their practicum placement in local elementary classrooms. In addition, Careers in Education students will learn about educational topics such as special education, dropout prevention, technology utilization for educational practices, family and community services, the importance of co-curricular and extra-curricular opportunities, history of public education, as well as legal issues in education. This Careers in Education course is partnered with local colleges for college credit opportunities for students, allowing students who successfully complete the program to receive college credits.
In the spring, students will take the ETS Paraeducator Test. Students who earn a qualifying score will be able to be employed as a paraeducator after graduation.
Part of CIE 201 - 3 period block & CIE 202 - 3 period block
Dual Credit: YVC & Washington State Stackable Certificates - ECE Statewide Credentials - ECE General Certificate
CIE Career in Education 202 OCC ED ‐ 0.5 Credit(s)
Duration ‐ One semester; 0.5 credits
Prerequisite ‐ Successful completion of CIE 201 OCC ED
Fees and Costs ‐ None
Building upon what was learned in the ECE 101 and 102 courses, students develop and practice skills essential for successful educational professional and teaching careers. Students are introduced to an overview of American public education, teaching as a career, professional competencies, and certifications. Working with a teacher mentor, students will develop lessons to be taught in their practicum placement in local elementary classrooms. In addition, Careers in Education students will learn about educational topics such as special education, dropout prevention, technology utilization for educational practices, family and community services, the importance of co-curricular and extra-curricular opportunities, history of public education, as well as legal issues in education. This Careers in Education course is partnered with local colleges for college credit opportunities for students, allowing students who successfully complete the program to receive college credits.
In the spring, students will take the ETS Paraeducator Test. Students who earn a qualifying score will be able to be employed as a paraeducator after graduation.
Part of CIE 201 - 3 period block & CIE 202 - 3 period block
Dual Credit: YVC & Washington State Stackable Certificates - ECE Statewide Credentials - ECE General Certificate
CIE Career in Education 201 Teacher Academy ‐ 0.5 Credit(s)
Duration ‐ One semester; 0.5 credits
Prerequisite ‐ Successful completion of CIE 101 and 102
Fees and Costs ‐ None
Building upon what was learned in the ECE 101 and 102 courses, students develop and practice skills essential for successful educational professional and teaching careers. Students are introduced to an overview of American public education, teaching as a career, professional competencies, and certifications. Working with a teacher mentor, students will develop lessons to be taught in their practicum placement in local elementary classrooms. In addition, Careers in Education students will learn about educational topics such as special education, dropout prevention, technology utilization for educational practices, family and community services, the importance of co-curricular and extra-curricular opportunities, history of public education, as well as legal issues in education. This Careers in Education course is partnered with local colleges for college credit opportunities for students, allowing students who successfully complete the program to receive college credits.
In the spring, students will take the ETS Paraeducator Test. Students who earn a qualifying score will be able to be employed as a paraeducator after graduation.
Part of CIE 201 - 3 period block & CIE 202 - 3 period block
Dual Credit: YVC & Washington State Stackable Certificates - ECE Statewide Credentials - ECE General Certificate
CWU EFC 250 – Introduction to Education: 4 Credits - In Approval Process
CIE Career in Education 202 Teacher Academy ‐ 0.5 Credit(s)
Duration ‐ One semester; 0.5 credits
Prerequisite ‐ Successful completion of CIE 201 Teacher Academy
Fees and Costs ‐ None
Building upon what was learned in the ECE 101 and 102 courses, students develop and practice skills essential for successful educational professional and teaching careers. Students are introduced to an overview of American public education, teaching as a career, professional competencies, and certifications. Working with a teacher mentor, students will develop lessons to be taught in their practicum placement in local elementary classrooms. In addition, Careers in Education students will learn about educational topics such as special education, dropout prevention, technology utilization for educational practices, family and community services, the importance of co-curricular and extra-curricular opportunities, history of public education, as well as legal issues in education. This Careers in Education course is partnered with local colleges for college credit opportunities for students, allowing students who successfully complete the program to receive college credits.
In the spring, students will take the ETS Paraeducator Test. Students who earn a qualifying score will be able to be employed as a paraeducator after graduation.
Part of CIE 201 - 3 period block & CIE 202 - 3 period block
Dual Credit: YVC & Washington State Stackable Certificates - ECE Statewide Credentials - ECE General Certificate