Early Childhood Education

• Spokane Falls Community College

• 3410 West Fort George Wright Drive
• Spokane, WA 99224-5298
• https://sfcc.spokane.edu/

Start

Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer

Degrees and Certificates

• AAS - SFCC

Program Website

View the program website

Additional Costs

Books	$327-1828
Supplies and Equipment	$10-95

Program Description

The Early Childhood Education program provides experiences in educational theory in the areas of social, emotional, cognitive, physical/motor and creative development for children from birth through age 8. Courses also are available for caregivers of school-age children, ages 5 through 14 years. Now that ongoing research reveals the significance of early development, professional preparation has become essential to anyone pursuing a career in the education and care of young children. Courses are through eLearning and/or days and evenings.

SFCC Early Childhood Education program options:

• Early Childhood Education Certificate (60 credits) - contains the ECED core content courses.
• WA State ECED Stackable Certificates (12-47 credits) - Three "stackable" certificates meet State requirements and allow progression without course repetition for students who wish to earn higher level certificates or degrees.
• Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree (90 credits) - contains the same course work as the ECED certificate above, plus supporting courses and electives which may be modified for transfer to four-year schools.
• Associate in Applied Science Transfer (AAS-T) degree (90 credits) -contains ECED core content with the option to transfer to accepting four-year schools.
• Associate in Arts (AA) degree (90 credits) - includes 15 credits of electives in ECED that transfers to four-year schools.
• Articulation with area high schools articulates college credits for completion of specified high school ECED courses.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Students will demonstrate proficiency in the seven Critical Work Functions for the Washington State Skill Standards for the Lead Early Childhood Teacher.
2. Students will demonstrate proficiency in both written and oral communication.
3. Students will demonstrate the ability to manage resources relevant to the Early Childhood Education profession.

Career Opportunities

Outlook for employment in this field is excellent due to current research and recognition of the importance of early development and learning. The SFCC early childhood education program has achieved recognition in our community and region. Regional employers contact our program seeking educated early childhood employees for positions such as: lead teacher, family child care provider, school-age care provider, teacher's aide/assistant, program specialist, parent-school liaison, program supervisor, early education coordinator, center director/manager, assistant director/manager, foster care provider.