2022-2023 Pierce College Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 Pierce College Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

State Early Childhood Education Certificate Course Map


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Created by Pierce faculty, this map outlines the initial coursework for this career field. It provides you a clear path to complete your certificate by listing a specific set of courses relevant to your program and career. The map is designed with the appropriate number of credits and meets certificate requirements. Courses are organized in a recommended sequence; please schedule accordingly. If a course is unavailable, select the next appropriate course within the sequence. For each course, a purpose statement explains how the content relates to your career field. On this map, there may be instances when you will be required to select a course from several options. Use these purpose statements and notes to choose the course that best aligns with your interests and needs. You will also find action items to complete to assure you progress and graduate on time. 

While this map is a great guide to courses required to complete the State Early Childhood Education Certificate, you are responsible for fulfilling all certificate requirements

Questions? Your Success Network is ready to help you!


 

Program and Employment Eligibility Requirements

Child care providers are required by the state to meet general qualifications for their position. Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 110-300-0105 outlines pre-service requirements needed prior to working with children. WAC 110-300-0100 outlines the age and education requirements to be hired for positions. WAC 110-300-0106 outlines the training requirements to be a child care provider.

To be eligible for practicum courses in the program students must meet WAC 110-300-0105 pre-service requirements that include a cleared portable background check and a negative FDA-approved TB test. Additionally students must be CPR, first aid, and food handler trained as outlined in WAC 110-300-106.

1. College Success


  • Course purpose: A foundational course to explore and affirm a career choice and build upon the skills, knowledge, and resources that will support you at Pierce College and beyond.

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  • Note: The College Success course you select will depend on the Career Pathway Map you are following. Your advisor will assist you in selecting either the 3- or 5- credit version of the course. Should you choose to repeat a College Success course you must enroll in a College Success course with the same credit amount as the original course; a COLLG 110 course grade can only be replaced with a grade from another COLLG 110 course and a COLLG 115 course grade can only be replaced with a grade from another COLLG 115 course. 

2. English Composition I


  • Course purpose: As an early childhood education you will often find yourself writing lessons, creating assessments, and communicating in writing with parents, fellow teachers, and the administration. ENGL& 101 will provide the foundational skills of developing these writing skills.

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  • Note: Your advisor will assist you in reviewing your Guided Self Placement and selecting either the 5-credit or the 7-credit co-requisite ENGL& 101 + ENGLC 101 course. 

3. Math Course Recommendation


Choose one

  • Course purpose: This course looks at quantitative mathematical content for children up to 3rd grade. It is particularly designed for teachers in the ECE field and covers all five strands from the NCTM standards. 

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  • Note: The math course you select will depend on the Career Pathway Map you are following, the transfer institution/degree that you select, and your math placement guidance. Your advisor will assist you in selecting the relevant 5 or 7 credit course(s) based upon co-requisite options. 

Action Item: Meet with Advisor


Use your Success Network!  In your first quarter, meet with your advisor to revisit your career and transfer path, make adjustments to your goals as needed, and plan for your next steps. 

4. Introduction to Early Childhood Education


  • Course purpose: This course sets the foundation for the determination of this career field.  This course is an overview of the early childhood education field. This course will help you determine if this field is where they desire to pursue their passion. 

5. Health, Safety and Nutrition


  • Course purpose: This class is an overview of the State and national guidelines and policies for health, safety, and nutrition in ECE. This class sets the foundation of teaching you about creating a safe and healthy learning environment for children. This course is also required to meet mandated report criteria for ECE.

6. Child Development


  • Course purpose: This course will help you build a functional understanding of the foundation of child development, prenatal to early adolescence. Observe and document physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of children, reflective of cross cultural and global perspectives. 

Apply for Graduation:


Way to go! It is time to apply for graduation. Visit the Pierce College Graduation website for details. https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/graduation

7. Practicum: Focus on Relationships


8. Guiding Behavior


  • Course purpose: This course helps you build an understanding and tool-set for effective child guidance and behavior management. It will also help you acquire effective interaction techniques with children in the classroom setting. Introduces teachers to being culturally sensitive to family practices.

9. Child, Family and Community


10. Curriculum Development


  • Course purpose: In this course you will gain understanding in the importance promoting language, fine/gross motor, social-emotional, cognitive and creative skills and growth in young children.

11. Environments for Young Children


12. Language and Literacy Development


13. Observation and Assessment


  • Course purpose: You will learn and put to practice in the field the skill of collecting and record observation of young children in order to plan for and support the child, the family, the group and the community.

Total Credits 48-50


Program Code: 46E


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