Early Childhood Education Degree Programs in Washington
The accredited education degree programs in Washington listed below prepare students for a rewarding career as an early education teacher. The growing number of childcare centers and preschools creates a growing demand for quality teachers. The benefits of early education are many from providing the needed educational foundations for student success, to early intervention for learning challenges. Graduates of the following programs help families and communities by providing quality early childhood education.
Gonzaga University
School of Education
The School of Education is located on the campus of Gonzaga University, a private, Jesuit university located in Spokane. The school’s Jesuit tradition and dedication to preparing education leaders who are committed to excellence make it unique among accredited education degree programs in Washington. The School of Education offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in counseling, sports management education, kinesiology, special education, administration, teacher education and school psychology. All programs in the School of Education are designed to produce professionals who are socially responsible, caring, committed and competent.
Master of Education in Special Education Early Childhood
The early childhood education track of the Master of Education degree is designed to provide training for educators working with children with disabilities from infants to age five. Students will learn effective techniques for teaching young children with disabilities in an early childhood education setting. The track is designed for students with a teaching certificate. The program consists of coursework in early childhood special education; child development; language and communication; and early development of children with disabilities. The coursework is combined with 120 semester hours of field work in an early childhood educational setting. All coursework is linked to the Gonzaga Preschool which is an experimental preschool for children ages three to five for typical children and children with disabilities. Access to this preschool allows for practical, real-world experience along with coursework and immediate practice for newly acquired skills.
Accreditations
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
Contact
Gonzaga University
School of Education
502 East Boone Avenue
Spokane, Washington 99258-0102
bradshawc@gonzaga.edu
Western Washington University
Woodring College of Education
The Woodring College of Education has many attributes that set it apart from other accredited education degree programs in Washington. The college provides excellent preparation for quality health, human services and education professionals. The college integrates research, academics and practice to prepare its students and helps student growth through community engagement and real- world interaction with educational professionals while continually looking for ways to improve its programs. The college offers programs in rehabilitation counseling, adult higher education, nursing, educational leadership, social justice, instructional technology. Their teaching programs include special education, English as a second language, early childhood education, elementary education and secondary education.
Early Childhood Education P-3 Option, BAE
This Bachelor of Arts in Education degree prepares students for work as an educator for children from birth through grade three. Graduates can work in childcare centers, preschools, Head Start programs and elementary schools through grade three. The program consists of completing a major in early childhood education combined with a one term internship in preschool and a two term internship in primary school. The program consists of 122 credit hours and students must complete major coursework with a grade of C or better. Coursework is offered in early childhood education fundamentals; creativity and play; early learning environments; child abuse; community and family relationships; curriculum development; assessment and intervention in special education; child guidance; and literacy. Students enter the program and complete all coursework as a cohort. In addition to coursework, all students must take three internship quarters in a block sequence.
Accreditations
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
- National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
- NW Commission for Colleges and Universities
Contact
Woodring College of Education
Western Washington University
MS9088
516 High Street
Belingham, Washington 98225-9088
(360)650-3310
woodring@wwu.edu
https://wce.wwu.edu/eled/early-childhood-education
Related Resource: Top 50 Most Affordable Bachelor’s Elementary Education or Early Childhood
Making a difference in the life of a child is a uniquely rewarding career. Professional early childhood educators provide a valuable service to their communities and to the families and children they teach. Accredited education degree programs in Washington provide the skills necessary for teachers to achieve their goals.