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. Successful completion of EDEC 492 and EDEC 493 (minimum of 12 credits) is expected before student teaching. Exceptions may be granted by the department chair in unusual circumstances. Majors must complete EDEC 492 and EDEC 493 concurrently and then either course may be repeated individually. Candidates must be fully admitted to the major prior to beginning the six quarter cohort sequence. Students enrolling in any course with a field experience as well as EDEC 292 and EDEC 493 must have a current WSP and FBI fingerprint and background clearance on file with CWU. Please check with the CWU Teacher Certification Office (Black Hall, room 228; 509-963-2660) regarding clearance.

(without Washington State Teacher Certification)

A student may complete the Early Childhood Education major without gaining entry to the Teacher Certification 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 that does not require teacher certification. While full application to the Teacher Certification Program is not required, students enrolling in any Early Childhood Education Program class that has a field experience, including the EDEC 292 or EDEC 493 practica must have a current WSP and FBI fingerprint and background clearance. Please check with the CWU Teacher Certification Office (Black Hall, room 228; 509-963-2660) regarding clearance.

Required Courses

• EDEC 306 - Professional Growth and Expectations Credits: (2)
• EDEC 307 - Equity, Culture, and Anti-bias in ECE Credits: (3)
• EDEC 312 - Childhood Learning Credits: (3)
• EDEC 313 - Materials and Manipulatives in ECE Credits: (3)
• EDEC 314 - Learning through Play Credits: (3)
• EDEC 321 - Curriculum I Credits: (3)
• EDEC 322 - Parent Involvement Credits: (3)
• EDEC 411 - Curriculum II Credits: (3)
• EDEC 412 - Responsible Childhood Assessment Credits: (3)
• EDEC 422 - Classroom Management in an ECE Classroom Credits: (3)
• EDEC 424 - Curriculum III Credits: (3)
• EDEC 432 - Theories in Child Development Credits: (3)
• EDEC 492 - Senior Seminar Credits: (3)
• EDEC 493 - Practicum and Issues in ECE Credits: (3-18)

Total Credits: 50