Prepare for a career in Early Childhood Education
We provide students with academic coursework and field experience necessary to become a teacher of children ages birth to eight years.
Overview
LCC’s Early Childhood Education Program prepares candidates to teach and engage in the world of early learning. We provide the education needed to serve children ages 0 to 8 years in an early learning environment. Our candidates are prepared to work as early learning teachers, advocates, and as support staff for before and after school programs. Candidates have opportunities in both private and public sectors. Washington State's requirements are comprehensive to keep children safe, healthy and growing to their full potential.
Looking for Teacher Education?
The AAS degree transfers to the BAS-TE and the BAS-OLTM.
Programs Offered
Early Childhood Education
Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
Program Map(s) for this program
Early Childhood Education (State Certificate)
Certificate of Proficiency (COP)
Program Map(s) for this program
Early Childhood Education (State Initial Certificate)
Certificate of Completion (COC)
Early Childhood Education (State Short Certificate) - Administration
Certificate of Specialization (COS)
Early Childhood Education (State Short Certificate) - Family Child Care
Certificate of Specialization (COS)
Early Childhood Education (State Short Certificate) - General
Certificate of Specialization (COS)
Early Childhood Education (State Short Certificate) - Infants & Toddlers
Certificate of Specialization (COS)
Early Childhood Education (State Short Certificate) - School Age Care
Certificate of Specialization (COS)
Documents Needed for Classroom Participation
For successful entry into the program, candidates are required to submit the documents below. Please connect with any contacts at the bottom of this page if additional information or guidance is needed.
Please keep in mind, the supplemental documents that you are required to submit MUST have your name and dates on each document. If we have a document that does not include your name or identifying information, it will not count toward completion of requirements.
Before you will be authorized to enter a classroom as an LCC student candidate, the following information must be submitted and processed through LCC. Confirmation will be available to you at the completion of each respective step.
MERIT
Step 1: Complete Background Check through MERIT
Do this step step first because it can take up to 6 weeks to complete processing of a submitted background check! Don't let this stop you from attending classes, and make sure you submit the application early. Save your login and password. It will matter! When you receive your approved background check, you will submit it in step 2.
Step 2: Submit Background Check
Please submit your Background clearance with expiration date using the button below.
Instructions
- Log into Merit
- Click on your Professional Record
- On the right side, under PBC Expiration Date is a link in light blue
- Click on it and it will open a certificate
- Save that as an electronic file and attach it below
Step 3: Confirm Receipt of Student Handbook
Please read through the Field Experience Handbook. If you have any questions or concerns, connect with your Early Childhood Education instructor to get clarification. When you are finished, sign and submit the Confirmation of Receipt below:
Step 4: Submit Confidentiality Agreement
If you submit this information but do not get confirmation that it has been submitted, or if you only have paper copies that you would like to submit, please contact Jenny Smith, Certification Specialist, LCC University Center, jsmith@lowercolumbia.edu or 360.353.7802
Step 5: Submit Acknowledgment of Hazards and Risks
Please sign and submit document linked below. You will receive a copy of the signed document in the email that you provide.
For instructor use only:
Your instructor or advisor will be able to give you additional information upon receipt of all required documentation.
Add the following new skills to your resume:
- Classroom Management
- Working with Diverse Families
- Instructional Strategies
- Understanding Child Development
- Cultural Diversity
- Language & Literacy
- Science, Technology,
- Engineering & Math (STEM)
- Health & Safety Standards
- Assessment & Reporting Practices
- Head Start/ECEAP Teacher
- Center Director or Owner
- Family Home Childcare Owner
- Preschool Teacher
- Paraeducator
- Early Childhood Education (ECE) Peer Mentor
- WA State Approved Trainer
Students working in participating Early Achiever settings may qualify for the Early
Achiever Grant, which covers tuition and books.
Contact the Education Program
Early Childhood Instruction
Josie Zbaeren
360.442.2891
jzbaeren@lowercolumbia.edu