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Early Childhood Education

Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS)

Whether you're a novice or a seasoned preschool teacher, the Early Childhood Education program at North Seattle College will provide you with valuable training and insight into how children learn. The program is designed for students who already work full-time, so classes are offered in the evening, weekend or online. NSC’S Early Childhood Education Program is built upon the Washington State Stackable Certificates, allowing students to complete certificates while working towards the AAS degree. Upon completion of the AAS degree, students interested in continuing their education are able to move into the Early Childhood Education Bachelor of Applied Science Degree.

Estimated Length of Completion

Degree Quarters Credits
Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS) Full Time: 6
Part Time: 11 to 12		 90.0

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.  

Early Childhood Education AAS Full Time Map

Early Childhood Education AAS Part Time Map

 

There are no entry requirements for this program

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor to discuss specific career goals and recommended coursework.

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
$11,483.10 $13,121.10 $29,531.70

Evening, weekends and online

Worker Friendly

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

  • Online: Coursework is generally completed over the internet, within a quarterly timeframe, contact with instructor via email. Some courses may require limited on-campus visits.
  • Hybrid: Hybrid courses provide students with the scheduling flexibility of fewer campus visits while covering the same materials as an equivalent class held entirely on campus. Hybrid classes usually have at least one on-campus meeting per week combined with a "virtual classroom" with online content, lessons and activities.
  • Evening: Courses with a start time of 4:00 PM or later.

Coursework

Total Required General Education 10

Course Course ID Credits Availability

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 : Global Studies

View List of Approved Courses

No Description available

 Z999_004 5.0

Total Required C/Q Elective credits: 5

MATH at 100 level or choose from course(s) listed below:

Course Course ID Credits Availability

This introductory class covers the development of the accounting cycle for a sole proprietorship, from business transactions through closing entries and financial statements. Includes service and merchandising types of businesses, special journals, banking services, and payroll. The course culminates with the optional opportunity to take a certification exam to become an Intuit Certified Bookkeeping Professional.

 ACCT 110 5.0

This course designed to help students from a variety of majors to master the composition skills needed for careers in business and industry. Students will learn the principles and conventions of technical writing and practice those conventions in a variety of assignments that would typically be encountered in the work place. Attention will also be paid to strengthening the surface and stylistic aspects of their writing.

 ENGL 107 5.0

Total Required HR Elective credits: 5

Choose from one of the following courses:

Course Course ID Credits Availability

Course teaches responsive interpersonal communication skills. Students learn ways to adapt communication to meet business needs. Class activities introduce students to cultural diversity, non-verbal communication, conflict management, and individual's influence on communication. Techniques for making business presentations and prep for employment interviews are covered. NOTE: English Language (ESL) Level 6 or above is recommended.

 BUS 236 5.0

Examines the skills in communication and empathy required for intercultural communication. Includes an interdisciplinary study of diverse cultures and perspectives in the United States in the context of economic, political, and cultural globalization.

HUM 105 5.0

Intro to the nation-state system, elements of power and major problems facing nation-states today including demographics, hunger and disease, nuclear proliferation, energy, nationalism and North-South/East-West relations. May be taken for international studies credit as ISP 112.

POLS 112 5.0

Introduces students to the scientific study of society and to several sociological concepts, including socialization, stratification, research methods, social theory, group dynamics, social class, gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, media, family, deviance, and social and cultural change. Students learn how to connect research to concepts and use the sociological imagination, the relationship between self and society, to deepen their understanding of social life.

SOC& 101 5.0
Course Course ID Credits Availability

Examines the concept of multiculturalism and how it relates to the ECE classroom. Through dialogues, readings and projects, students assess their beliefs, teaching environment and style in order to identify changes and promote respect for differences that accompany children and families.

CCE 240 3.0

No Description available

 5.0

No Description available

 5.0

Explore the foundations of early childhood education. Examine theories defining the field, issues and trends, best practices, and program models. Observe children, professionals, and programs in action. Students are required to work or volunteer directly with children.

ECED& 105 5.0

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

In an early learning setting, students will engage in establishing nurturing, supportive relationships with all children and professional peers. Focus on children's health & safety, promoting growth & development, and creating a culturally responsive environment. This course requires students to spend time in an early learning setting outside of class.

ECED& 120 2.0

Examine the unique developmental needs of infants & toddlers. Study the role of the caregiver, relationships with families, developmentally appropriate practices, nurturing environments for infants and toddlers, and culturally retentive care. Work/volunteer directly with children outside of class time.

ECED& 132 3.0

Develop administrative skills required to develop, open, operate, manage, and assess early childhood education and care programs. Explore techniques and resources available fo Washington State licensing and National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standard compliance.

ECED& 139 3.0

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

Teaching strategies for language acquisition and literacy skill development are examined at each developmental stage (birth-age 8) through the four interrelated areas of speaking, listening, writing, and reading. This course requires the student to directly work/volunteer with children.

ECED& 180 3.0

Collect and record observation and assessment data in order to plan for and support the child, the family, the group, and the community. Practice reflection techniques, summarizing conclusions, and communicating findings.

ECED& 190 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

Formerly CCE 113 Human Exceptionalities)ÿ  Requirement for Early Childhood Education degree. This course emphasizes diversity and a value-based approach to human exceptionality and disability using a lifespan view. An historical perspective covers current trends and practices in early intervention, special and general education, and life-long supports for individuals with disabilities and their families. For questions contact the Health and Human Services Division at (206) 934-3783.

EDUC& 203 3.0

Total Required Elective credits: 11

Select from the following courses:

Course Course ID Credits Availability

Paint, draw and use clay to discover personal expression. After exploring these media themselves, class members review the components providing art experiences to young children, 3 to 8 years old. Class members conduct a series of art classes for children to practice facilitating children's self-expression in these fundamental art media. Students enrolling in this course should have access to early childhood settings and preschool-aged children. Observations of children and their environments is a requirement of the ECE Curriculum.

 CCE 195 3.0

Discover the joys of connecting young children with nature. Nature influences social skills, enhances learning, fuels imagination, instills a reverence for the environment and helps children with sensory integration deficit.

CCE 200 3.0

Credit range: 1 - 6
Total required credits: 1 - 6

Individualized program of study relating to specific problem or content area under faculty supervision. Credits based on work accomplished. Prereq: Permission.

CCE 261 6.0

Students will identify culturally responsive and developmentally appropriate classroom technology in early childhood classrooms. Students will identify technology systems and tools that early learning programs are required to use including MERIT, Electronic Attendance System and online training portals. Students will learn how to use Microsoft Office and evaluate various perspectives on using electronic media (computers, tablets, television, cellphones, etc.) in early childhood education.

 ECED 102 2.0

Learn how to manage a family child care program. Topics include: licensing requirements, record-keeping, relationship building, communication strategies, guiding behavior, and promoting growth and development. Students must spend time in an early learning setting outside of class.

ECED& 134 3.0

This course is an exploration of nature-based, outdoor learning experiences for all young children. Students will identify the benefits of outdoor learning for children, learn about the teacher's role in supporting learning in the outdoor learning environment, consider adult comfort levels with outdoor experiences, and examine risk-taking as a part of learning.

 ECED& 137 3.0

Develop skills to provide developmentally appropriate and culturally relevant activities and care, such as preparing the environment, implementing curriculum, building relationships, guiding academic/social skill development, and developing community outreach. Work/volunteer directly with children outside of class.

EDUC& 136 3.0

This is an introduction to trauma-informed care. We will define and describe trauma and reflect on its impact on children's behavior, their families, and our community. Curriculum examines types of traumas, how they are present in young children and their families, and strategies for building resilience. We will learn how to practice trauma-informed care and self-care strategies in ECE classrooms. Some content referenced in this class may be triggering, active self-care is strongly encouraged.

 EDUC 260 5.0

 

Program planning guide