Associate of Applied Science Degree: 90 credits
Enrollment Point: Fall, Winter, or Spring Quarter
The Early Childhood Education (ECE) program prepares students with the knowledge and skills required to become a successful and professional early childhood educator working with children from birth to age 8. The ECE program at RTC provides students with the state required certificates to work as assistant teachers, lead teachers, center directors, family home operators and more. The ability to pass a background check is required.
Students will learn how to create developmentally appropriate, nurturing, challenging, engaging, culturally responsive, and safe learning environments for young children and develop skills for building professional and positive relationships with all families. Through Hybrid and Online instruction this program builds the foundation for teaching and working effectively with children. Meaningful, interactive practice oriented learning during practicum field experience will help students apply their acquired skills in a workplace environment. Student success is our priority and hybrid classes have the ability to offer students additional resources such as: Washington’s Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training Program (I-BEST) which is a nationally recognized model that uses a team-teaching approach to quickly boost students’ literacy while they learn job skills or academic subjects. Students in a hybrid course come to campus at scheduled times and meet face-to-face with instructors and fellow students. Many class activities are conducted online, including course work assignments, discussions and group projects. Online courses are completed fully online. Students can take an online course when and where they choose. Instructors give assignments and due dates throughout the quarter to keep students on track. In some cases, students are required to interact with each other and the teacher online for a certain number of times during the week or quarter. Some online courses are entirely self-paced.
RTC offers stackable certificates to meet the WA State Dept. of Children, Youth and Families requirements for all roles in early learning professionals working in Family Home Early Learning Locations and Early Learning Centers. These stackable certificates, offer state-approved training that meet the staff qualifications and provide opportunities for educational and industry advancement to move upward in your career.
Students who successfully pass all competencies are awarded a Certificate of Completion (65 credits). Advanced standing is possible for Tech Prep students or for those able to present transcript evidence of prior training.
To earn an Associate of Applied Science degree, the student must complete all requirements for the Early Childhood Education certificate program (65 credits) plus 25 additional credits.
To earn an Associate of Applied Science-Transfer Degree, the student must complete all the requirements for the Early Childhood Education certificate program (65 credits) and 30-45 additional credits, with specific requirements in mathematics.
Program Learning Outcomes:
- Create a nurturing, caring and culturally responsive learning environment for all children.
- Develop and implement age appropriate programs that meet individual and group needs.
- Promote positive relationships with children and families valuing diversity.
- Apply health and safety standards.
- Demonstrate positive work ethic and professionalism.
- Demonstrate knowledge and skills relevant for professionals in early childhood education.
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