The Early Childhood Education Minors are intended to prepare students to become birth through third grade teaching specialists. 

The Education, Development, Teaching, and Learning Department offers four programs in Early Childhood Education - including two majors and two minors.
 

Program Highlights

• Specializes in birth to grade 3 education

• Optional Early Childhood Education certification/initial license in Washington State, or non-endorsement

• Interactive coursework with authentic materials and manipulatives

• Early childhood field experiences in daycare and centers

• Focus on positive and productive parental involvement

• Knowledgeable and experienced faculty who focus on early childhood learning through play, emergent literacy and math

• Practical classroom management, instructional and assessment needed by beginning educators

• Focus on whole child development and learning
   

Program Requirements

Students who elect to complete this minor for a teacher certification endorsement in Early Childhood Education are strongly advised to simultaneously complete the Elementary Education major. Majors and minors will complete the program as a learning cohort (cohorts will begin winter and spring quarters). In addition, you must:

• Visit with an ECE advisor.
• Declare a major and minor.
• Maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher for the last 45 credits.
• Earn a minimum grade of “C” in all required major and minor.
• Obtain proof you have purchased a minimum of $1 million liability insurance. Insurance can be purchased through CWU for $7.12 by completing the Professional Liability Insurance Enrollment form.
• Obtain valid WSPI/FBI fingerprint clearance and maintain it throughout the program (valid for only 2 years).
  • You may obtain WSPI/FBI fingerprints at the CWU Teacher Certification Office, Black Hall 228, or your local Educational Service District (ESD).
     
  • Please contact one of the following options to schedule an appointment:
    • CWU Teacher Certification Office - (509) 963-2661
    • Your local Educational Service District (ESD)
       

Non-Endorsement Option

A student may complete this minor without gaining entry into the Teacher Certification Programs. 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 birth-age 8 settings that do not require teacher certification. All Early Childhood Education majors should discuss their options with an advisor prior to selecting a major. 

While application to the Teacher Certification Program is not required, students enrolling in any Early Childhood Education Program class that has an embedded field experience, must have current WSP/FBI fingerprint and background clearance.
 

Advising

To learn more about, or to be advised in Early Childhood Education Minor Programs, contact the pre-program advisor located in Black Hall or at your Center location.
 

Transfer Students

The Education, Development, Teaching, and Learning (EDTL) Department Programs accept a maximum of 10 credits of Early Childhood Education transfer courses from other accredited colleges.  Please contact the EDTL Faculty Advisor to discuss and complete transfer substitution documents.
 

Coursework

Classes must be completed in the identified sequence.

For Additional Information:

Admissions

Course Equivalencies