Early Childhood Education Major

(with Washington State Teacher Certification)

This major is intended to prepare students to become birth through grade 3 teaching specialists. As it is less than a 60-credit major it requires a minor OR second major. Students who elect to complete this major for a teacher certification endorsement in early childhood education are strongly advised to simultaneously complete the elementary education major (see a department advisor as to how this may be effectively accomplished). Students seeking the teacher certification endorsement in early childhood education must complete all Teacher Certification and Professional Education Program requirements, which include the Professional Education Program courses (49-52 credits). Also, EFC 480, Student Teaching, of the Professional Education Program should be completed at the K-3 level. Students are advised to take EDEC 292, 232, and 332 as the initial portion of their studies. Successful completion of EDEC 493 is expected before student teaching. Exceptions may be granted by the department chair in unusual circumstances. EDEC 292 and EDEC 493 will be graded S or U. Students enrolling in either EDEC 292 or EDEC 493 must have WSP and FBI fingerprint clearance. Please check with the CWU Teacher Certification Office (Black Hall, room 228 or 509-963-2660) regarding clearance.

(without Washington State Teacher Certification)

A student may complete this major without gaining entry to the Teacher Preparation Program or completing the Professional Education Program. Under such circumstances a teacher certification endorsement in early childhood will not be granted. This option exists for those individuals who wish to work with young children in an infancy/toddler/preschool setting only. While full application to the Teacher Preparation program is not required, students enrolling in either EDEC 292 or EDEC 493 must have WSP and FBI fingerprint clearance. Please check with the CWU Teacher Certification Office (Black Hall, room 228 or 509-963-2660) regarding clearance.

Required Courses

• EDEC 232 - Child Development Credits: (3)

• OR EDEC 310 - Infant Education Credits: (3)

• EDEC 332 - Theories in Child Development Credits: (3)
• EDEC 333 - ECE Curriculum: Pre-kindergarten Credits: (3)
• EDEC 334 - ECE Curriculum: Kindergarten Primary Credits: (3)
• EDEC 444 - Classroom Management in an ECE Classroom Credits: (3)
• EDEC 448 - Parent Involvement Credits: (3)
• EDEC 492 - Senior Seminar Credits: (3)
• EDEC 493 - Practicum and Issues in ECE Credits: (3-18)

Total Credits: 45