Bellingham

Bellingham Technical College offers The Child Development (CDA) Essentials Program.  This program prepares students for work in the early childhood care and education field. This coursework can lead to a certificate in Child Development, the national credential as a Child Development Associate, (CDA) or as the core coursework for the Washington Child Care Associate 1 Apprenticeship. The three CDA Essentials courses are also transferable to most community and technical colleges for twelve credits towards a certificate or degree in Early Childhood Education.

This program consists of three required courses that are offered in the evenings and on some Saturdays. Each course includes field work as well as coursework and ten hours of mentored activities.

Articulation agreements:  the CDA at Bellingham is directly transferable toward a one year certificate or two year degree at any neighboring community college.

ECE website link:  http://www.nwic.edu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=114&Itemid=1

In addition to CDA, ECE Certificates and general AA degree, Northwest Indian College offer two two-year transfer degrees.  The Associate of Applied Science-Transfer degree in Early Childhood Education is designed for people pursuing careers in the early care and education field. With a strong emphasis in early childhood, students are prepared for positions as lead teachers and for a variety of other employment opportunities in Head Start, child care, and other birth-to-six programs. The student is also prepared to transfer to specific four-year degree programs. Students interested in transferring should consult with an NWIC advisor before selecting courses to ensure that they meet the requirements of the college or university of their choice.

ECE website link:  http://www.whatcom.ctc.edu/content/AboutItem.phtml?art=208&c=0&id=15&style=

Whatcom Community College offers a 90 credit Associate in Arts degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE) and a 50 credit ECE certificate.  ECE Certificate options include infant/toddler and administration.  The AAS Degree is aligned for transfer to participating four-year Universities.  WCC also has one-credit modules offered each quarter, for those who don’t want to take more credits.

Whatcom Community College also offers distance learning through Washington online (WAOL).

Articulation agreements:  Eastern Washington University, Washington State University, Western Washington University.

Mount Vernon

Students may pursue a CDA (English/Spanish), a one-year certificate in ECE, an Associate of Technical Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education (ECE), or an individually developed program including Early Childhood Education and other disciplines focused on a specific role in Early Childhood Education.  Skagit also has Education focused degrees that focus on working with K-3 students.  Advisors will work with students to select their electives specific to their transfer degree needs.

Skagit Community College also offers distance learning.

Articulation agreements:  Washington State Universities (Human Development), Western Washington University, The Evergreen State College, City University, Seattle Pacific University, University of Phoenix, Devry University