Early Childhood Education State Certificate of Achievement

Early childhood care and education provides a solid foundation for a child’s lifelong learning and wellbeing. Our State Early Childhood Education Certificate prepares students for employment as a teacher assistant in early childhood, early elementary, special education and other settings. It is designed to coordinate with additional training in the field. This certificate emphasizes active student involvement, observation, participation, and practical experience.

Course Maps

A course map is a quick guide to help students figure out which courses to take each quarter. Course maps were written by BC faculty, who have used their expertise to recommend specific courses students can take to achieve their academic or career goals. Students should meet with an advisor to learn more.

Courses & Requirements

The course catalog is a great place to find detailed information on this program.

Sample Courses

  • Health, Safety, and Nutrition
  • Environments for Young Children
  • Observation and Assessment
  • Child Development

Program Catalog Page

Program Points of Pride

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Build Your Credits

Immediate employment with your first stackable certificate.

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Work Towards A Degree

Stackable certificates can apply to an associate of applied science degree.

Featured Faculty

  • DeeDee Orcajo, Ph.D

    • Program Chair

    Dr. Orcajo’s professional roles include infant development specialist, foster care social worker, parenting instructor, parent advocate, and community college and university faculty in the fields of early childhood education and child/family development. She specializes in working with children who have experienced trauma and developmental delay in both home and center-based programs.

  • Alicia Brender

    • Program Faculty

    Alicia Brender has worked for more than two decades as a teacher, early learning director, early childhood education and assistance program director, STARS trainer, integrated pre-K administrator, and professor. She has served on the Early Childhood Education Advisory Committee at Renton Community College and the Governor’s Early Learning Advisory Council, and testified before Washington State legislators on early learning initiatives.