The link in the portal does not work, who can help me?
Contact MERIT Support at MERIT@dcyf.wa.gov
Please type "Career Portal Question/Issue" in the subject line.
Where can I go for a 100% online certificate? Degree?
Use the ECE Career Planning Portal to click on online options when you search for colleges.
I don't know how to use a computer, or I do not have high speed internet. What help is available?
Most colleges offer technology assistance and computers are available in your college or local library.
I am currently enrolled somewhere and would like to transfer, how do I get started?
Talk to the ECE Advisor at your current higher education institution or at the college where you hope to transfer. You can find your college and advisor using the advanced search feature. Then you can send an email by clicking on the advisor's name.
I have some ECE credits and I'm not sure where to go so I don't lose them and they count towards my degree
Select a few of the colleges that offer the degree you are interested in. Contact the ECE advisor and ask to see what earns you a degree in the most cost effective, efficient way using the credits you already have.
I want a degree in ECE, how do I get started?
Use the ECE Career Planning portal to learn about opportunities. Enter your career or education goals to learn about next steps.
I have a transcript from another country, state, college - How can I get them evaluated so I know what I need for a certificate or degree?
Follow the Education Verification process for verifying a degree. More information can be found here. You can complete the Education Verification application on the Department of Children, Youth, and Families website by going to MERIT, obtaining a STARS ID and completing the online form.
Is there mentoring or coaching available to help me reach my goal?
The college ECE advisor will help you set educational goals for the carrer you desire. Your Early Achievers coach will help you set professional development goals and assist you in getting started. Advisors are available at WA Scholarships for Child Care Providers. For more information, contact scholarships@wa.childcareaware.org.
How much is this going to cost? How do I qualify for in-state tuition?
There are many scholarships available. Talk to a financial aid counselor at the college of your choice or the Early Achievers Point of Contact at any college. Plan to file a FAFSA each year to qualify for financial aid. If you are a student who cannot file the FAFSA due to citizenship, you may be eligible to file the WASFA and qualify for in-state tuition and state financial aid. Both of these applications are free and safe.
I want to go to school, but I need financial support. Where do I go to find this information (both scholarships and FAFSA or WASFA)
Most colleges offer financial aid for early learning professionals. Special grants are available for this high need field. Also see the WA Scholarships for Child Care Professionals link on the Child Care Aware of Washington website. For more information, contact scholarships@wa.childcareaware.org or 866-308-3224. Please also visit our Financial Aid page.
Is a practicum / internship required? Can I do it where I work?
To complete an Associate degree, practicum experience is required. The practicums required may include hours at your place of employment, however, this must be discussed with the course instructor. Each colllege has their own practicum requirements.
Does any of my life experience count toward an ECE certificate / degree?
Some colleges allow opportunity for credits to come from demonstrating competency learned outside of an academic setting. Ask about Credit for Prior Learning or a Prior Learning Assessment to know if this is offered and how it works at each college you are looking into.
I am afraid I do not remember any of the Math I took in high school. What am I going to be required to take? What help is available?
Some colleges offer a Math 100 class or iBest and a math tutor/lab to assist students in completing the math requirement. Sort by colleges offering iBest if you are looking for support in basic education requirements.
What is the difference between a CDA and an ECE Certificate?
The CDA (Child Development Associate) is a nationally recognized credential in early childhood education, based on a set of core competency standards set by the National Council for Professional Recognition. The Washington State Early Childhood Education Initial Certificate is recognized statewide as the first stackable certificate (12 credits). It is “stackable” because additional college courses can be stacked on top of it, in stages, to eventually achieve higher levels of college education.Washington State higher education offers the Short Certificate (8 credits stacked upon the Initial 12 credits=20 credits) and the State Certificate (27 credits stacked upon 20 credits=47 credits). In Washington the CDA meets is an equivalant for position requirements, but not prefered over the initial certificate.
What training or credits do I need in order to be licensed?
Contact your local Department of Children, Youth, and Families Licensing office to learn more about becoming licensed and opening your own licensed program.
How do I find the education to stay in my current position?
Use the ECE Career Planning Portal to learn about opportunities. Enter your career or education goals to learn about next steps.
How long is it going to take to get my certificate / degree?
Contact your local colleges and talk to an ECE Advisor. Some colleges offer courses certain quarters or evey other year. They may give you credit for prior learning experiences and want to see any privious education on transcripts you may have. The amount of time it will take you depends on your availability and the specific courses you need.
I would like a new career opportunity in the early learning field, where do I get started?
Use the ECE Career Planning portal to learn about opportunities. Enter your career or education goals to learn about next steps.
What accommodations are available for me - I have a hearing impairment / sight impairment / limited mobility / learning disability / test anxiety.
Colleges honor the Americans with Disability Act. Talk to the college ECE advisor to get started, then talk to someone on campus who can explain what services may be provided.
English is not my primary or preferred language, what services are available for me?
Contact your local colleges and ask the ECE advisor if they offer courses in your language, interpretation services, tutoring services, etc.