CWU-Yakima to Offer Degree in Early Childhood Education this Fall

September 14, 2009

ELLENSBURG, Wash. — Crucial learning happens in early childhood. In fact, children’s earliest years of life are the most important for their development. Beginning this fall, Central Washington University will offer a degree in the growing field of Early Childhood Education at CWU-Yakima. An information session to learn more about the program is Tuesday, September 15, 2009, at 5 p.m. at the Deccio Higher Education Center Parker Room at CWU-Yakima located at Yakima Valley Community College.

The program provides participants an opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Education with a minor in Teaching English as a Second Language. While the program is not designed for those who are seeking a teaching certificate, it’s perfect for those who want to be in the birth through preschool early childhood development field. The program does not lead to a K-12 teacher certification.

Central’s part-time program at CWU-Yakima takes three years to complete and is for individuals who are working with birth- through preschool-age children, and who are seeking greater professional development in early childhood education. To make it easier for students to attend, classes are offered in the afternoons and evenings.

The program was designed to help communities meet the Head Start Reauthorization Act of 2007 stating that at least 50 percent of Head Start teachers have a baccalaureate degree in early childhood education by September 2013.

Those graduating with an Early Childhood Education degree have a variety of career options to look forward to. Most professionals in the field work directly with young children.

Central has been graduating top-quality professionals in the field of teaching for more than 125 years. Information about Central’s department of education can be found at www.cwu.edu/~education. For more information on the Early Childhood Education program at CWU-Yakima, or for details about the information session, visit www.cwu.edu/yakima, or call 509-574-6894.

Media Contact: Teri Olin, CWU Public Relations & Marketing, 509-963-1416, olint@cwu.edu

Central Washington University is a master's degree-granting institution with approximately 10,000 students and 1,500 faculty and staff. More than 160 undergraduate and master's degrees are offered. Founded in 1891, the Ellensburg campus is located in the heart of Washington State, nestled between the Cascade Mountains and the Columbia River. Since 1975, CWU has served the needs of placebound students at six university centers throughout the state. CWU is an AA/EEO Title IX Institution.