Washington State Stackable Certificates
Understanding Washington's stackable ECE certificates
Stackable certificates build off of each other and can be applied towards an Associate's degree. If you are interested in pursuing a certificate, you can find programs and funding options by visiting Find a College. If attending college courses is not right for you, check out the Provider Access to a Community Equivalent (PACE) program to learn about alternative pathways to certification.
12 college credits
The Initial Early Childhood Education (ECE) Certificate is the first step in Washington's early learning education pathway. It introduces the basics of early childhood education, including child development, health and safety, nutrition, and building positive relationships with children and families.
This certificate provides a foundation for people beginning a career in early learning or those who want to build their knowledge and skills. It is also the first step toward earning the Short and State ECE Certificates.
8 additional college credits
20 total college credits (Initial + Short Certificate)
The Short Early Childhood Education (ECE) Certificate builds on the Initial Certificate and provides additional knowledge about child development and early learning practices. Students complete additional coursework and choose an area of specialization based on their interests or career goals.
Specialization options include:
- General Early Childhood Education
- Infant and Toddler Care
- School-Age Care
- Family Child Care
- Early Learning Administration
- Home Visiting and Family Engagement
- Outdoor Education
This certificate helps early learning professionals build skills in an area of interest while continuing their education toward the State ECE Certificate or an associate degree.
27-32 additional college credits
47-52 total college credits (Initial + Short Certificate + State Certificate)
The State Early Childhood Education (ECE) Certificate builds on the Initial and Short Certificates and provides more in-depth knowledge and skills for working in early learning.
Coursework includes curriculum development, learning environments, language and literacy, observation and assessment, and partnerships with children, families, and communities. Students also complete college-level English and math requirements.
The State Certificate represents a more advanced level of early childhood education and prepares students for the next step in their education: an associate degree in early childhood education.