Early Childhood Education
Your Early Childhood Education Pathway
Enroll in our Early Childhood Education program to acquire essential skills for various roles within licensed early learning settings, including childcare centers, family home environments, ECEAP, and Head Start programs. Our curriculum integrates theory and application-based content, emphasizing the delivery of high-quality care and diverse learning experiences aligning with NAEYC standards, developmentally appropriate practices, and childcare licensing requirements. Our program adheres to standards set by the Department of Children Youth and Families (DCYF) and NAEYC, led by experienced faculty both inside and outside the classroom.
You’ll benefit from small class settings, ensuring personalized attention and hands-on training for an enriched learning experience.
Our program incorporates practicum components necessitating field experience in licensed early learning programs. If currently employed in such a program, complete the field experience there; otherwise, volunteer at our Early Learning Center or any licensed early learning program.
Upon graduation, prepare for employment across various settings including preschools, childcare facilities, Head Start programs, and family childcare centers.
Your degree isn't just a milestone; it's a seamless gateway to a rewarding career in Education.
Discover a world of opportunities with our Early Childhood Education program at LWTech!
State Early Childhood Education Certificate
Certificate of Proficiency
State Early Childhood Education Initial Certificate
Certificate of Completion
State Early Childhood Education, Short Certificate of Specialization - Administration
Certificate of Completion
State Early Childhood Education, Short Certificate of Specialization - Family Child Care
Certificate of Completion
State Early Childhood Education, Short Certificate of Specialization - Outdoor Learning Environments
Certificate of Completion
State Early Childhood Education, Short Certificate of Specialization - General
Certificate of Completion
State Early Childhood Education, Short Certificate of Specialization - Infants and Toddlers
Certificate of Completion
State Early Childhood Education, Short Certificate of Specialization - School Age Care
Certificate of Completion
Additional Program Information
Discover the advantages of I-BEST support for students pursuing the State Early Childhood
Education Certificate of Completion. Our comprehensive program provides in-class assistance
in various areas, including writing, math, notetaking, presentation skills, study
techniques, and career readiness.
Note: The Early Childhood Education AAS requires enrollment during Summer quarter.
Key Contacts
Explore Careers and Paths in Early Childhood Education
We are proud of the many pathway options our students have to complete an Applied Bachelor’s degree, at LWTech, and at in-state universities and colleges. All degrees, whether DTA/MRP, AAS-T or AAS, can fulfill transfer requirements at multiple institutions thanks to the articulation (transfer) agreements between LWTech and the transfer college. An applied bachelor's degree can improve your chances in the job market and help you make more money.
To learn more about transferring to another college or university, please visit our Transferring from LWTech page.
The Early Childhood Education program at LWTech leads to a variety of career opportunities in the field. The examples below show how different certificates and degrees may connect to potential job paths. While we can’t guarantee specific outcomes, this information is meant to help you explore your options and plan for your future.
You can choose to enter the workforce after completing a certificate or continue your education to expand your career options over time. Here are some examples of what that path can look like:
Start working after your certificate or associate degree
Upon completing the Certificate of Completion in State Early Childhood Education Initial Certificate or State Early Childhood Education, Short Certificates of Specialization in Administration, Family Child Care, General, Infants and Toddlers, School Age Care, or Outside Learning Environments, students may be prepared for roles such as:
- Preschool Teachers
- Childcare Workers
- Teacher Assistants
- Family Childcare Providers
These certificates meet the minimum qualifications for a childcare center lead teacher. We encourage all students to continue working toward the AAS degree to prepare for future career growth opportunities.
Upon completing the Certificate of Proficiency in State ECE Certificate, students may be prepared for roles such as:
- Childcare Program Directors/Supervisors
- Childcare Workers
- Preschool Teachers
- Family Childcare Providers
- Childcare Center Owners
Upon completing the AAS in Early Childhood Education, students may be prepared for role such as:
- Preschool Teachers
- Special Education Teachers, Preschool
- Childcare Program Directors/Supervisors
- Family Childcare Providers
- Childcare Center Owners
Continue your education and advance your career
You can also continue building your skills through additional bachelor’s degree programs.
Examples of bachelor’s degree options at LWTech include:
A bachelor’s degree may prepare you for roles such as:
- Government-funded Preschool Teachers
- Childcare Program Directors/Supervisors
- Instructional Coordinators
- Family Childcare Providers
- Childcare Center Owners
Note: Student should contact an advisor at the transfer college to determine specific transfer requirements.
Graduate Degree Options
After completing a bachelor’s degree, students may choose to pursue graduate education in related fields. Examples may include:
- Master of Education Early Childhood Education at Eastern Washington University
- Master of Education Educational Leadership w/ Principal Certification at Eastern Washington University
- Master in Teaching Elementary OR Secondary Major at Eastern Washington University
- Master in Teaching at Northwest University
- Master of Education at Northwest University
- Master of Education Early Childhood Special Education at University of Washington
- Master in Teaching Elementary Teacher Education Program at University of Washington
- Online Master’s options at Western Governor’s University
- Master of Science at Northeastern University College of Professional Studies
- Master of Professional Studies at Northeastern University College of Professional Studies
- Master of Sports Leadership at Northeastern University College of Professional Studies
Note: Students completing an LWTech BAS degree may be eligible to complete the above degrees if pre-requisites for the chosen program are fulfilled. See an advisor to plan your future education.