About Early Childhood Education
Early Childhood Education is one of the fastest-growing jobs in the country! At Green River College, you can earn a degree or a certificate, and even choose to focus on different areas that interest you.
People who graduate from this program usually work with young children in classrooms, child care centers, or even in homes. They help kids learn and grow by planning fun and age-appropriate activities that support their physical, emotional, social, and thinking skills. They also work closely with families and other experts to make sure every child gets the best start in life.
Green River College offers a two-year degree called the Associate in Applied Arts, as well as certificate programs. These programs can help you get a job working with kids in many different places. They're also helpful for parents, foster parents, daycare providers, teacher’s aides, and others who work with young children.
Prepare to Succeed
- A solid core of classes in Early Childhood Education, integrating cultural relevancy and anti-bias practices into the curriculum.
- An opportunity to choose from many different work settings upon graduation.
- Supervised practicums in early childhood settings that combine theory with hands-on experience.
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Contact Us
- Leslie Kessler Early Childhood Education BAS Director Office
Phone: 253-351-6636
Email: lkessler@greenriver.edu - Tanzi Blake, Program Coordinator
Office phone: 253-931-6836
Email: tblake@greenriver.edu - Andee Church
ECE Faculty, Early Achievers Grant Point of Contact
Office Phone: 253-887-5419
Email: achurch@greenriver.edu
Have Questions About Registration?
Bachelor Degree Options
Early Childhood Education: Infant and Child Mental Health, BAS
Length of Program: 2 Years
Average Salary: $67,745
Associate Degree Options
Early Childhood Education, AAS
This degree program prepares students for a career in Early Childhood Education. The
completion of the degree or certificate program prepares graduates to seek employment
in child care centers, Head Start, family child care homes, cooperative and private
preschools, children’s homes, institutions and other programs serving children from
birth through 8 years of age.
Length of Program: 90 credits
Average Salary: $45,221
Early Childhood Education and Diversity Studies, AAS-T
This Associate in Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T) is a dual purpose degree built
upon the technical courses required for job preparation. It includes college-level
general Education courses, enabling the student to transfer to a select number of
baccalaureate institutions.
Length of Program: 90 credits
Average Salary: $45,221
Early Childhood Education Paraeducator, AAS-T
Paraeducators are a valuable asset for teachers in providing support and assistance
in instruction and other direct services to students, and in helping to ensure a positive,
safe, and supportive learning community.
Length of Program: 93-94 credits
Average Salary: $46,446
Certificate Options
Early Childhood Education (Statewide) Certificate of Specialization
This is an initial certificate that serves as a point of entry or a continuation of
professional development from the Level One Core Competencies for Early Care and Education
Professionals. The initial certificate is the first “stackable certificate” providing
a foundation for the Early Childhood Education (ECE) State Credential and the ECE
Associate of Applied Arts Degree.
Length of Program: 12 credits
Average Salary: $45,221
Early Childhood Education (Statewide) Certificate
The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Short Certificate builds on the Initial Certificate as the second
“stackable certificate.” All Short Certificates provide the foundation for the ECE
Washington State Credential and the ECE Associate in Applied Arts Degree. Completion
of the Short Certificate places students on Level 6 of the Washington State Career
Lattice.
Length of Program: 52 credits
Average Salary: $35,489
Early Childhood Education Paraeducator State Certificate
The Paraeducator State Certificate is part of the Washington State “Stackable Certificates”
and is the second step in preparing students for a job as a Paraeducator. This certificate
includes college-level General-Education courses in addition to the job-specific courses.
Length of Program: 47 credits
Average Salary: $45,221
Career Outlook
A degree in Early Childhood Education can lead to a fun and meaningful career working with young children, usually from birth to around age eight. People with this degree help kids learn and grow during some of the most important years of their lives. Jobs in this field are expected to grow, as more families and schools understand how important early learning is.
With this degree, you could become a preschool teacher, work in a daycare, help children with special needs, or even run your own childcare center. As more schools and programs add early learning classes, there will be more chances to find a job. If you enjoy working with young children and want to make a difference in their lives, this could be a great career path for you.