Early Childhood Education

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Early Childhood Education

Bachelor of Applied Science Degree (BAS)

The Early Childhood Education Bachelor of Applied Science Degree (BAS) program prepares students for jobs as lead infant/preschool teachers and administrative/leadership positions at early learning programs and related nonprofits. Students will learn research-based teaching and coaching practices through coursework and an embedded practicum. Students complete 90 credits on average; this varies depending on previous college coursework.

The college is planning to launch the Academy for Rising Educators (ARE) BAS Cohort in partnership with Seattle Public Schools in Fall 2021. This cohort is a continuation of the ARE Pathway that begins at Seattle Central College. If you are currently an ARE Associate student and interested in continuing on to NSC's BAS program, please contact Annie Garrett, annie.garrett@seattlecolleges.edu for more information.

Estimated Length of Completion

Degree Quarters Credits
Bachelor of Applied Science Degree (BAS) Full Time: 6
Part Time: 9
180.0

Program lengths are estimates, not guarantees. For the most current program information, please check with the program contact.

Program Pathway Map 

Program Pathways are a series of courses and experiences carefully selected to help you earn your credential and prepare for your career or university transfer.  Program Pathway Maps guide you through quarter-by-quarter coursework, indicate when you’ll need to complete important steps, and describe popular careers in this pathway.  Some course sequences or recommended courses can be customized or adjusted by speaking with an advisor.  

 

BAS (from previous BA degree) full-time program map

BAS (from Associate degree) full-time program map

BAS (from Associate degree) part-time program map

BAS (From Associate of Arts degree) full-time program map

BAS (From Associate of Arts degree) part-time program map

BAS (from AAS degree) full-time map

BAS (from AAS degree) part-time map

 

Course Course ID Credits Availability

Develop knowledge and skills to ensure good health, nutrition, and safety of children in group care and education programs. Recognize the signs of abuse and neglect, learn about responsibilities for mandated reporting, and learn about available community resources. This course requires students to work or volunteer directly with children outside of class time.

ECED& 107 5.0

Investigate learning theory, program planning, tools and methods for curriculum development promoting language, fine/gross motor, social-emotional, cognitive and creative skills and growth in children birth through age 8 utilizing developmentally appropriate and culturally responsive practice.

ECED& 160 5.0

This class focuses on the adult's role in designing, evaluating, and improving indoor and outdoor environments that ensure quality learning and nurturing experiences, and optimize the development of young children. This course requires the student to directly work/volunteer with children.

ECED& 170 3.0

Build foundation for explaining how children develop in all domains, conception through early adolescence. Explore various developmental theories, methods for documenting growth, and impact of brain development. Topics and issues addressed: stress, trauma, culture, race, gender identity, socioeconomic status, family status, language, and health.

EDUC& 115 5.0

Examine the principles and theories promoting social competence in young children and creating safe learning environments. Develop skills promoting effective interactions, providing positive individual guidance, and enhancing group experiences. Work/volunteer directly with children.

EDUC& 130 3.0

Develop understanding about the family and community contexts in which a child develops. Explore cultures and demographics of families in society, community resources, strategies for involving families in the education of their child, and tools for effective communication. This course requires the student to directly work/volunteer with children outside of class time.

EDUC& 150 3.0

ENGL& 101 is counted toward general education requirements.
Must be eligible for ENGL& 101 through English Placement Exam or completion of ENGL 097/ ENGL 098.

English 101 is a college-level writing course that emphasizes academic writing and major strategies of reading and writing analytically. Writing assignments focus on engaging with and responding to a variety of texts. Instruction encourages students to develop, through revision and reflection, as readers, writers, and critical thinkers. Prereq: Eligibility for ENGL&101.

ENGL& 101 5.0
  • Promote child development
  • Build family and community relationships
  • Observe, document and assess to support young children and families
  • Use developmentally appropriate practices
  • Use content knowledge to build meaningful curriculum
  • Become a professional

All costs are estimates and are not guarantees. For the most current program information, check with an adviser by calling 206.934.5391. There are additional costs for books and supplies. Each student is responsible for the purchase of certain supplies and required tools before the instruction begins.

Part Time Cost

Resident Non-Resident International
$43,218.00 $46,339.20 $121,446.00

The following fee is associated with the program:

  • Research and Information Resources Fee ($6.50/upper division course credit)

Hours may vary based on specific program requirements. For the most current program information, check with an adviser by calling 206.934.5391.

Worker Friendly

This program is offered at times and in formats that meet the needs of working adults. This includes:

  • Evening: Courses with a start time of 4:00 PM or later.
  • Weekend: Courses offered on Saturday or Sunday

Coursework

Course Course ID Credits Availability

This course examines changes in early care and education over time; including social, political and societal trends. Current local, state, national and global trends will be compared and critiqued. Using a historical approach, students will analyze key influences in the field and reflect upon the diversity embedded in this flield. Students will observe and differentiate between models of early care and education, and develop a personal teaching philosophy.

ECE 305 3.0

This course focuses on using learning theory and key concepts of cognition development in young children to design math/science curriculum. Students will describe how learning occurs for young children and critique learning theory. They will learn to apply learning theory to their instruction, and design strategies to teach math and science content based on the understanding of cognition and state guidelines for early learning. Prerequisite: Entry into the BAS program.

ECE 310 5.0

Examines methods of communication for children aged 0-8 years. Covers the development of communication skills and foundations of language and literacy. Using developmentally appropriate practice, students design and implement strategies to promote development of language, literacy and communication skills in an early learning setting. Includes analysis of approaches to instruction, development of curriculum and assessment of communication abilities. Prerequisite: Admission into ECE.

ECE 315 5.0

Students will analyze the meaning of creativity using music, art, movement, and imaginative play to promote development across domains (physical, cognitive, social-emotional). Students will examine different approaches to creativity, design curriculum incorporating creativity and demonstrate developmentally appropriate practices supporting creativity in the classroom. Prerequisite: entry into the ECE BAS program.

ECE 320 3.0

Students will analyze the meaning of creativity using music, art, movement, and imaginative play to promote development across domains (physical, cognitive, social-emotional). Students will examine different approaches to creativity, design curriculum incorporating creativity and demonstrate developmentally appropriate practices supporting creativity in the classroom. Prerequisite: entry into the ECE BAS program.

ECE 350 4.0

Explore equity issues in early childhood education and reflect on biases present in ourselves, communities of practice and the systems in which our children live. Includes study of embedded bias and its impact on identity development and strategies to counter structural bias. Prerequisite: Entry into the ECE BAS program.

ECE 355 5.0

Examines the impact of family and community on child development. Using the ecological theory, students will integrate family and community into an early learning program and demonstrate culturally responsive interactions with others. Explores the demographics of our communities and design and implementation strategies for partnership and collaboration with family and community organizations that support child development.

ECE 405 3.0

Examines models of inclusion in early learning settings across age groups. Covers the process for early identification of children with special needs and the development of strategies for providing appropriate education to a variety of learners (including children with disabilities, dual language learners, and children undergoing adverse childhood experiences). Compliance with state law and policy is included.

ECE 410 4.0

Examines appropriate use of media and technology in early learning settings. Explores various perspectives on using electronic media (computers, tablets, television, etc.) in early childhood programs using current research and recommendations. Policies on classroom use of media/instructional technology and strategies for communication of policies to families are included.

ECE 415 3.0

Explores the dimensions of social and emotional development in children birth-8 and the relationship between social and emotional development and behavior. Students develop and apply strategies to support positive social and emotional development and demonstrate competency in teaching practice that promote positive behavior in early learning settings. Prereq: Entry into the ECE BAS program.

ECE 420 5.0

Focuses on the language, literacy and communication skills of children who are dual language learners, ages birth through 8. Assessment and instruction strategies applied to early learning settings. Emphasis is placed on identifying, strengthening and building upon the family and community connections of young children who are dual language learners. Prerequisite: Entry into the ECE BAS program.

ECE 430 3.0

Examines child development holistically and across physical, cognitive social and emotional domains. Includes the importance of play in child development. Covers planning and preparing an effective system of ongoing assessment to support child development and the appropriate use of screening and assessment tools. Prereq: Entry into the ECE BAS program.

ECE 450 5.0

Examine the professionalization of the early care and education field. We will identify professional organizations and examine how they support children, families and early care and education professionals. We will look at national, state and local standard development and implementation as well as address the importance of advocacy for vulnerable populations. We will explore and contribute to professional development in a variety of formats in the ECE field. Prerequisite: Entry into the ECE BAS program.

ECE 480 5.0

The culminating course in the Early Childhood Education BAS. Students will use an inquiry approach to research a specific area for improvement, and design and implement significant change in an educational setting. Students will reflect upon previous coursework, research and teaching practice to produce a culminating document that will include a revised teaching philosophy.

ECE 490 5.0

Explores strategies, topics, and concepts to develop research practices for Bachelor's level study. Focuses on in-depth investigation of the organization, retrieval, and evaluation of professional and discipline-specific digital and print information sources.

INFO 300 2.0
Course Course ID Credits Availability

ENGL& 101 is counted toward general education requirements.
Must be eligible for ENGL& 101 through English Placement Exam or completion of ENGL 097/ ENGL 098.

English 101 is a college-level writing course that emphasizes academic writing and major strategies of reading and writing analytically. Writing assignments focus on engaging with and responding to a variety of texts. Instruction encourages students to develop, through revision and reflection, as readers, writers, and critical thinkers. Prereq: Eligibility for ENGL&101.

ENGL& 101 5.0

Course Substitute : ENGL& 235 - Technical Writing ( 5 credits )

English 102 is a college-level research writing course that explores topics from a variety of sources and perspectives. Students learn to pose research questions and locate, evaluate, and integrate sources into written or multimodal compositions. Instruction encourages students to develop flexible research and writing strategies as well as exchange constructive feedback. The particular focus of sections of English102 varies by instructor. Students pursuing any degree path are welcome.

ENGL& 102 5.0

View List of Approved Courses

No Description available

Z999_001 15.0

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No Description available

Z999_002 10.0

One course must include lab

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No Description available

Z999_003 10.0

Course Substitute : Global Studies or ten credits from Individuals, Cultures, and Societies

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No Description available

Z999_004 10.0

College Level MATH 101 or higher

No Description available

Z999_007 5.0

Total Required Electives Credits: 60

Any 100 and 200 level college credits not counted as General Education credits (commonly fulfilled by EDUC/ECED courses from associate degree)


Program planning guide

Anti-Bias and Anti-Racist Education

We believe that all children, families, and caregivers have the right to an equitable and meaningful education. We recognize that barriers have been put in place to hinder the growth and achievement of students of all ages, especially those who are part of BIPOC communities, those who have immigrated to the United States, members of the LGBTQI+ community, those with both visible and invisible disabilities, and those who are economically disadvantaged, among many others. We also recognize that our spaces to learn and work are located on stolen Indigenous land, specifically on the land of the coastal Salish peoples. In each of our program courses, you will discover a focus on how each area of knowledge can be enhanced to reflect the anti-bias and anti-racist values of our community here at North Seattle College.

Anti-bias and anti-racist education include, but are not limited to, understanding the history of racism, misogyny, prejudice, and oppression in the United States and how they continue to impact us and the youngest members of our communities today. Using the phrases “anti-bias” and “anti-racist” requires us to identify and actively work against historically biased and racist policies and practices, dismantle them, and create more equitable opportunities for learners of all ages. Students, faculty, and staff reflect critically on practices and policies and in creating equitable spaces in early childhood education and higher education.