Early Childhood Education

WVC's Early Childhood Education program trains students for careers working with children in child-care centers, preschools, Head Start and other programs. The curriculum covers growth and development of children of all ages, so that students know what activities are appropriate for each stage of childhood. Students also study behavioral management; math and science for children; the special-needs child; sign language; child psychology; day care management and other subjects.

The early childhood education program at WVC has, in the past, been an evening program with only one or two courses offered each quarter. During the summer of 1998, the program's advisory committee has worked on enlarging the program. One goal is to help students prepare for Washington state's new Child Development Associate certification, which requires 160 hours of training in several different areas. Students enrolling for fall quarter 1998 will be able to take courses that will give them all of the training necessary to test for the certification. Students may earn an associate of technical sciences degree in early childhood education by successfully completing two years of course work.

Early Childhood Education (ATS)
Students who complete the ATS in Early Childhood Education will be able to:

• Document foundational competency in the Washington State’s eleven Early Childhood Education Professional Core Competencies.
• Demonstrate evidence of the ability to plan experiences and provide materials for young children in the four different Early Childhood settings – Infant/toddler program, Family/Home Child Care Program, Preschool Program and a Kindergarten,1st ,2nd or 3rd grade classroom.
• Identify and use credible professional resources from multiple sources, allowing them to better serve children and families with a wide range of cultures, languages, needs and abilities.
• Acquire training and education to seek employment or advance in current employment in the field of Early Childhood Education.
• Develop a foundation to continue their studies in Early Childhood Education.

Early Childhood Education (Cert)
Students who complete the Early Childhood Education Certificate will be able to:

• Understand the importance of each content area in young children’s learning.
• Know the essential concepts and structure of content areas, including academic subjects.
• Use their understanding of young children’s characteristics, needs and developmental growth to create environments that are healthy, respectful, supportive, and challenging for all children.
• Acquire training and education to seek employment or advance in current employment in the field of Early Childhood.
• Develop a foundation to continue their studies in Early Childhood Education.