Early Childhood Education
Program Home Page

Ruth Wilson, Ph.D., Program Chair

 

The advantages of early learning and the increasing demand and importance of quality care for young children have created new opportunities for early childhood educators. Both the young adult entering college for the first time and the mature individual seeking a new career will find opportunities for meaningful employment in the field of early childhood education. Many students currently enrolled in the Early Childhood Education program at Bellevue Community College are already employed in the field. The flexible program adapts well to full-time, part-time or evening study.

 

The program of study in early childhood education includes a “learning by doing” component. Students are involved in observation, participation and practical experience in a variety of classroom settings. A broad, liberal arts curriculum with emphasis on human relations is also an integral part of the program.

 

Degree and certificate options available to students in the program include early childhood education, early childhood special education, infant/toddler care, and an Associate in Applied Science-Technical Degree.

 

Scholarships covering 75%-90% of the costs to attend a community college are available to many child care providers. Contact: Washington Scholarships at www.childcarenet.org or 866-308-3224, or scholarships@childcarenet.org.

 

 

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Exciting Program Changes!

 

Early Childhood Education at Bellevue Community College is soon to have a new name and an expanded program. The new name for the department will be "Early Learning and Teacher Education."

 

Expanded offerings include a program of study for students interested in becoming elementary education teachers.

 

Three new courses have also been developed: Working as a Paraeducator, Culture and Human Diversity in Education, and Language and Literacy Development.

 

These are exciting changes for the department that broaden the career opportunities and pathways for students.

 

 

Course Name Change for HOMEC 256

 

Please note that HOMEC 256, Child Development and Guidance, is now EDUC 256.

 

EDUC 256 will be offered Spring 2007 as an online course.

 

 

 

ACADEMIC OPTIONS

Associate in Arts Degree 90 credits
Certificate of Achievement 45 credits
Special Education Certificate or Degree 58 or 90 credits
Infant/Toddler Short Certificate 18 credits
Associate in Applied Science-Technical Degree 90 credits
Continuing Education for Washington STARS
Credits vary

APPLICABLE VOCATIONS

  • Private child care
  • Lead teacher or assistant teacher in preschool or child care center
  • Center director
  • Head Start teacher
  • Teacher aide in elementary school
  • Professional nanny
  • Personal enrichment
  • Continuing education for Washington STARS program

 

 

 

Degree or Certificate in Early Childhood Education

The degree program may be completed in two years (six quarters) of full-time study. Certificate programs can be completed in a year or less. Either program may be completed on a full-time or part-time basis.

 

 

 

Special Education Degree or Certificate

The special education Associate in Arts degree is similar to the basic program except that some electives are replaced with American Sign Language courses and an additional special education course. Students receive two quarters of practicum experience in a special education setting.

 

 

 

Infant and Toddler Care Short Certificate

 

Students learn to plan appropriate programing for children under the age of three, as well as to establish partnerships with parents that support best practices in infant and toddler care.

 

 

 

Associate in Applied Science-Technical Degree (AAS-T)

 

The AAS-T in early childhood education is a dual purpose degree—to prepare students for working with young children and to transfer to a degree program at some baccalaureate institutions. Students wishing to become an elementary teacher often choose the AAS-T degree as their first step towards reaching their professional development goal.

 

 

 

Washington STARS Continuing Education

 

Washington State Training and Registry System (Washington STARS) is a program of training and education for those currently employed in the field of early childhood education. Washington STARS students are welcome in all classes.

 

Those who need to fulfill the Washington STARS requirement of 10 hours or one college credit annual education are welcome to participate, and may receive Washington STARS credit, for almost any of the Bellevue Community College Early Childhood Education courses.

 

Additionally, the program offers many one and two credit courses on Saturdays and evenings that are especially convenient for those who are employed.

 

Topics vary from quarter to quarter and include music, art, math concepts, positive guidance and discipline, language learning, group experiences, infant and toddler curriculum, science curriculum, and much more.

 

For current topics and class dates please check the BCC quarterly credit class schedules or call (425) 564-2674 to be placed on our mailing list.

 

 

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