Education

The Education Department prepares students with evidence-based knowledge, skills, and competencies to support the education and care for children and families.

The Early Childhood Education (ECE) program at YVC is part of the Early Achiever program which includes the ECE State certificates. The ECE program believes that the needs of young children are best met by teachers and caregivers who are trained with a blend of classroom theory; interactive learning communities; and competency-based laboratory experiences, assignments, and projects. All training is based on the Washington State Core Competencies for early care and education professionals and NAEYC standards (National Association for Education of Young Children).

Students learn through the course content and methods of study how critical the first five years of life are for child development. Learning activities for the child must be developmentally appropriate for the age and stage of development while meeting the needs of the whole child physically, socially, emotionally, and cognitively. The child must be guided in developing independence, self-control, cooperation, and positive self-concept in a safe, healthy, and multi-cultural learning environment where staff and family members play a critical role in the learning process.

Upon successful completion of the program, the student will have demonstrated competency in the Washington State Competencies for early childhood professionals, school age professionals, or paraprofessionals. The students should be prepared for entry-level employment in the area for which the certificate or degree has been earned.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program the graduate will be able to:

Question, research, search for meaning, and develop ideas that lead to action and critical thought in education based upon the Washington State Core Competencies for education and early childhood professionals.
Demonstrate a knowledge of diverse culture, ideas, and experiences and be able to examine their own attitudes and assumptions in order to work effectively and emphatically in a multicultural classroom.
Apply essential concepts, inquiry tools, approaches, and strategies to build curriculum which stimulates learning in children.
Promote child development and learning by using and articulating their understanding of childrens’ needs to create healthy, respectful, supportive, and learning environments that are challenging and exciting.

Admission

All students entering any field of study in Education or Early Childhood Education must take EDUC 111: Careers in Education/Early Childhood . This can be taken prior to or concurrently with any EDUC or ECED course. For further information, request the information packet from the Education Department.

Criminal History Information

Prior to enrolling in a practicum course, criminal history information will be requested of students. Information obtained from this inquiry will be treated confidentially and will be considered in determining the student’s eligibility to complete clinical competencies.

Programs

Certificate - Professional/Technical

Associate

Certificate-Professional/Technical

State Initial ECE Certificate