Early Learning and Teacher Education Program

 

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.

 

Additional Educational Opportunities for Current and Future Teachers include:

 

  • STARS training (State Training and Registry System – a career development system for working in child care and early education and school-age care in
    the state of Washington)
  • Special course in health and physical education designed for early childhood and elementary teachers (HLTH 220 & PE 237)
  • Math courses designed specifically for elementary teachers (MATH 171 & MATH 172)
  • A cultural diversity course focusing on culture and human diversity in Education (EDUC 240)
  • A paraeducator course to help you work as a classroom assistant (EDUC 190)
  • A course designed to help you develop an electronic professional portfolio (EXPRL 190)

 

Special Announcements

Course number and/or title changes began summer 2008.
 
EDUC 256 changed to EDUC& 114 Child Development
EDUC 110 changed to EDUC& 205 Introduction to Education
ECED 131 changed to EDUC& 204 Exceptional Child

I-BEST Infant & Toddler Care Certificate – NEW beginning 4/01/09
For Adult Basic Education or English as a Second Language Students
Call (425) 564-5200 to see if you qualify or
e-mail staddese@bellevuecollege.edu for additional information.

 

 

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-T 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-T 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.

 

 

 

Associate in Elementary Education Direct Transfer Degree (DTA)

This degree is designed for students who want to obtain a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with a K-8 certification.  It provides a broad foundation in
liberal arts and beginning coursework in teacher education that is needed upon
transfer to teacher certification programs at colleges/universities

.

 

 

 

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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