There are many careers for an early learning professional

Early learning offers a wide variety of career options, including:

Volunteering or being a substitute
Providing childcare in a family home.
Owning a child care center or working in a child care center as a teacher, assistant or director.
Teaching in an ECEAP or Head Start publicly funded preschool.
Offering professional development to staff.
Working as an Early Achievers coach.
Teaching in a college-level early childhood education (ECE) program.

The core competencies focus on professionals’ skills and knowledge in standard ECE areas.

Download Core Competencies

Education Levels for an Early Learning Professional

Whatever level of education they have achieved—from high school diplomas to graduate degrees—early learning professionals will find a diverse range of positions and career opportunities.

High School Diploma

For some positions, early learning professionals must have a high school diploma (or its equivalent, such as a GED). Typically, a diploma is awarded at the end of four years of study, when the student has met general educational requirements at an accredited high school. The requirements may be set by local, state or provincial authorities, so they vary from one jurisdiction to another.

Careers

Child Care Center Assistant

A Child Care Center Assistant Teacher demonstrates competency to implement program activities under the direction of a lead teacher. An assistant teacher must provide developmentally appropriate early childhood education and ensure a safe learning environment for all. View DCYF Professional Development Page for more information: https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/services/earlylearning-profdev/early-learning-provider

Hiring Requirements:

18 years of age
High School Diploma

Training Requirements:

Need to be completed within 90 days of employment.

Completed Child Care Basics
Completed all renewable health and safety training
- First Aid
- CPR
- Bloodborne Pathogens
- Food Handlers (if serving snack and meals to children)
- Safe Sleep (if applicable)

Full Education Requirements:

Initial Certificate (within 5 years of hire)

Child Care Center Volunteer

A Volunteer helps in the Child Care Center while under the direct supervision and direction of the facility staff. View DCYF Qualifications & Role Requirements Page for more information: https://dcyf.wa.gov/services/early-learning-providers/qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: Volunteers must be at least 14 years of age, care for children under direct supervision of a lead child care staff at all times, and may count towards staff-child ratio if all staff qualifications are met, including a background check and health and safety training.

Preferred Qualifications: 18 years of age, valid First Aid and CPR, and completed Child Care Basics.

Family Home Child Care Assistant Teacher

A family home assistant demonstrates competency to implement program activities under the direction of the family home owner or primary staff. An assistant teacher must provide developmentally appropriate early childhood education and ensure a safe learning environment for all. View DCYF Qualifications & Role Requirements page for more information: https://dcyf.wa.gov/services/early-learning-providers/qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: Minimum age of 18, high school diploma or GED, a background check, completed training

Preferred Qualifications: DCYF trainings, WA State Initial Certificate

Family Home Child Care Volunteer

A Family Home Child Care Volunteer helps in the licensed Family Home while under the direct supervision and direction of the facility staff. View DCYF Qualifications & Role Requirements Page for more information: https://dcyf.wa.gov/services/early-learning-providers/qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: Minimum age of 14 and requires a background check (non-criminal background check for 14-16 year olds).

Preferred Qualifications: 18 years of age, valid First Aid and CPR, and completed health and safety trainings.

Stackable Certificate

In Washington, early learning professionals can advance their education by earning “stackable” certificates at colleges across the state: The courses in early childhood education that students are required to take will build on one another in a sequential manner and deepen levels of applied learning along the way. Stackable certificates are part of Washington’s system of early childhood education (ECE) statewide credentials. Colleges across the state offer common courses, course titles, course numbers, course descriptions and student outcomes. All courses are aligned with the Washington State Core Competencies for Early Care and Education Professionals.

Careers

Child Care Center Director and/or Owner

A Child Care Center Director/Owner is responsible for the overall management of the center's facility and operation and ensures that the center follows licensing requirements. View DCYF Qualifications & Role Requirements Page for more information: https://dcyf.wa.gov/services/early-learning-providers/qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: The center director/owner must be at least 18 years of age, have knowledge of child development, have verified education and at least two years of experience working with children the same age level as the center serves.

Education may include one of the following or higher: Washington State ECE Initial Certificate, valid CDA or verified college credits based on center's licensed capacity. The director must have a MERIT account, complete Child Care Basics, register with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families MERIT system, and meet the health and safety certificates required by WAC.

Preferred Qualifications: State Certificate in Early Childhood Education

Child Care Center Lead Teacher

A Child Care Center Lead Teacher is directly responsible for the care and education of children and must provide developmentally appropriate early childhood education and ensure a safe learning environment. The Lead Teacher must demonstrate competency to observe and assess children's development, plan children's curriculum based on child development knowledge, design the learning environment, implement and supervise developmentally appropriate learning activities, build positive relationships with children, plan guidance strategies for children, involve parents, and honor differences. View DCYF Qualifications & Role Requirements for more information: https://dcyf.wa.gov/services/early-learning-providers/qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: The child care center lead teacher must be at least 18 years of age, register with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families MERIT system, and have a verified high school diploma or equivalent

Preferred Qualifications: Completed all DCYF training, Hold an Initial Certificate or equivalent (within five years of hire) and Short Certificate or equivalent (within 2 years of completing Initial Certificate or equivalent)

ECEAP Assistant Teacher

An ECEAP Assistant Teacher demonstrates competency to implement program activities under the direction of a Lead Teacher. An assistant Teacher must provide developmentally appropriate early childhood education and ensure a safe learning environment for all ECEAP hours regardless of the model type (Part-Day, Full School Day or Extended Day). View ECEAP Standards for more information: ECEAP Performance Standards

Minimum Qualifications: obtain 12 college quarter credits in ECE or obtain a WA State Initial Certificate or higher (Upon hire, or may have a PD Plan)

Preferred Qualifications: Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education

Family Home Child Care Lead Teacher

The Family Home Child Care Lead Teacher must meet the qualifications of the licensee and can act on behalf of the licensee when the licensee is off of the premises. View DCYF Qualifications & Role Requirements Page for more information: https://dcyf.wa.gov/services/early-learning-providers/qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: At least 18 years of age

Complete Child Care Basics prior to working unsupervised with children, and registered with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families MERIT system.

Job Role Education: Initial ECE Certificate or equivalent (within five year of hire)

Preferred Qualifications: Initial Certificate

Family Home Child Care Owner / Licensee

A Family Home Child Care Owner/Licensee is a person who obtains a license from the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to offer ongoing care for one or more children in their own home. The Family Home Child Care Owner/Licensee must plan children's curriculum based on child development knowledge, design the learning environment, implement and supervise developmentally appropriate learning activities, build positive relationships with children, plan guidance strategies for children, involve parents, and honor differences. View DCYF Qualifications & Role Requirements page for more information: https://dcyf.wa.gov/services/early-learning-providers/qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: At least 18 years of age, complete DCYF training requirements for the position prior to working unsupervised with children, registered with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families MERIT system.

Hiring Education: High school diploma or equivalent

Job Role Education: Initial Certificate or equivalent (within five years); Short Certificate or equivalent (within two years of meeting Initial Certificate)

Preferred Qualifications: WA State ECE Certificate

Family Home Child Care Provider

Licensed family home child care (FHCC) providers offer care for children in the provider's home. Depending on their license, FHCC providers may care for up to 12 children through 12 years of age. View DCYF Qualifications & Role Requirements Page for more information: https://dcyf.wa.gov/services/early-learning-providers/qualifications

Head Start Teacher 3

A Head Start Teacher 3 Has the primary responsibility for classroom operation including planning, carrying out activities, maintaining the classroom environment, supervising children; conducts parent/teacher conferences; supervises classroom volunteers; may also supervise teacher assistant. View Head Start Standards for more information https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/policy/45-cfr-chap-xiii

Minimum Qualifications:

18 years of age
have a CDA credential or a WA State Initial Certificate or better

Preferred Qualifications:

plan that will lead to an associate or baccalaureate degree

Head Start Teacher Assistant

A Head Start Teacher Assistant is employed by a Head Start program and assists the classroom teacher in conducting classroom activities, maintaining the classroom environment, and supervising children; may also assist in planning and record keeping and other classroom related duties. View Head Start Standards for more information https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/hspps-appendix.pdf

Minimum Qualifications: At a minimum, have a CDA credential or a WA State Initial Certificate or better, and enrolled in a program that will lead to an associate or baccalaureate degree

RBPD Early Childhood Education Peer Mentor

Mentoring occurs between individuals in similar professional roles, with a more experienced individual with adult-learning knowledge and skills providing guidance to the less experienced mentee. Mentoring is intended to increase an individual’s personal/professional capacity and effectiveness. Topics are often identified by the mentee, and have a holistic focus on their areas of growth. Supports reflective process and helps mentee translate theory, information and best practice into application. Mentoring is usually an ongoing relationship that develops over time.

Requirements: Must meet the following qualifications:

Mentor has understanding of the Relationship-based Professional Development Standards
Mentor has some relationship-based professional development training
Mentor has a higher level of professional and educational experience than mentee

Educational Pathways

WA State Early Childhood Education Initial Certificate

Associates Degree

To earn an associate's degree, you must complete a program that is at least 90 quarter credits, usually at a community or technical college. These degrees may be designed to transfer to a four-year college or university. A full-time student usually completes an associate's degree in two years. Part-time students will take longer than two years, depending on how many credits they take each quarter. Requirements usually include general education courses in addition to coursework in the major area of study. Depending on the program, an associate’s degree with a major in early childhood education (or early care and education) may be offered as an associate’s degree in applied science, an associate of technical arts degree, or an associate in arts degree.

Careers

Early Head Start (EHS) Lead Teacher

An Early Head Start Lead Teacher has responsibility for planning, carrying out activities, maintaining the classroom environment, supervising children, parent/teacher conferences, and supervision of classroom volunteers; may also supervise and/or mentor teacher(s) and teacher assistant(s) at a site; assumes classroom responsibilities in addition to light supervisory, record keeping, and/or planning duties. —View Early Head Start Standards for more information https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/hspps-appendix.pdf

Minimum Qualifications: Infant-Toddler CDA or Infant-Toddler Short Certificate or Degree including coursework in early childhood development with a focus on infant and toddler development

Preferred Qualifications: Associate or Bachelor’s Degree program in child development or Infant/Toddler

ECEAP Family Support Staff

An ECEAP Family Support Specialist must maintain flexible hours to build relationships with families, identify strengths and goals, coordinate services for families, link families to community resources, and support family involvement activities at times when parents are available. View ECEAP Standards for more information: https://dcyf.wa.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/2023-24-ECEAP-Performance-Standards.pdf

Minimum Qualifications:

18 years of age
Associate or higher degree with the equivalent of 30 college quarter credits of adult education, human development, human services, family support, social work, early childhood education, child development, psychology, or another field directly related to job responsibilities
OR a DCYF-approved credential from a comprehensive and competency-based family/social service training program that increases knowledge and skills providing direct service to families

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor of Social Work or related field

ECEAP Lead Teacher

An ECEAP Lead Teacher is directly responsible for the care and education of children and must provide developmentally appropriate early childhood education and ensure a safe learning environment for all ECEAP hours regardless of the model type (Part-Day, Full School Day or Extended Day). The Lead Teacher must demonstrate competency to observe and assess children's development; plan children's curriculum based on child development knowledge, design the learning environment, implement and supervise developmentally appropriate learning activities, build positive relationships with children, plan guidance strategies for children, involve parents while honoring differences. View ECEAP Standards for more information: ECEAP Performance Standards
Minimum Qualifications: The ECEAP Lead Teacher must have an associate or higher degree with the equivalent of 30 college quarter credits in early childhood education. These 30 credits may be included in the degree or in addition to the degree; OR a valid Washington State Teaching Certificate with an endorsement in Early Childhood Education (Pre-K-Grade 3) or Early Childhood Special Education.

Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education OR a valid State Teaching Certificate with an endorsement in Early Childhood Education (Pre-K Grade 3) or Early Childhood Special Education

ECEAP Nutrition Consultant

A Nutrition Consultant provides consultation on children’s special dietary requirements and nutrition education activities for children and families and approves menus. View ECEAP Standards for more information: https://dcyf.wa.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/eceap/2019-20ECEAPPerformanceStandards.pdf .

Minimum Qualifications:

18 years of age

Registered Dietitian (R.D.) credentialed through the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), the credentialing agency for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association); or a Washington State certified nutritionist under RCW 18.138

Head Start Teacher 2

A Head Start Teacher 2 has primary responsibility for classroom operation including planning, carrying out activities, maintaining the classroom environment, supervising children; conducts parent/teacher conferences; supervises classroom volunteers; may also supervise Teacher Assistant. View Head Start Standards for more information https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/policy/45-cfr-chap-xiii

Minimum Qualifications:

18 years of age
Associate degree in Early Childhood or related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree in ECE, child development or related field

WA State-Approved Trainer

State-approved trainers provide ongoing learning opportunities that support the mastery of core competencies, introduction of instructional strategies and foundational concepts in child and youth development and program administration. State-approved trainers may provide workshops, host online trainings, facilitate professional learning communities that will count toward the training requirements for licensed child care professionals referenced in WAC 110-300. More information can be found here: https://www.dcyf.wa.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/Quality_Assurance_Program_Guide.pdf

Requirements:

Must be approved as a trainer by DCYF
Meets the trainer competencies
Understands Washington’s guiding frameworks
Understanding of adult learning theory and instructional design
Knowledge of the content area of the offered training

Educational Pathway:

Minimum of an Associate Degree

Bachelors Degree

To complete a bachelor's degree, one must complete 180 quarter credits or 120 semester credits. Full-time students typically complete a bachelor's degree in four years, although this varies with the program and individual student. A number of colleges and universities offer the bachelor’s degree with a major in early care and education. Such majors include:

Early childhood education
Early childhood and family studies
Human development with specialization in ECE
Children’s studies/childhood education
Elementary education with one of the following endorsements:

Early childhood education
Early childhood special education
P-3
P-3 special education

In addition to completing courses that meet the college or university’s general education requirements, a candidate for the bachelor’s degree must earn the credits specified for the major field of study. (If the student already has an associate’s degree, some credits may transfer.) Some schools offer online degree programs.

Careers

ECEAP Health Advocate

An ECEAP Health Advocate demonstrates competency to implement program activities under the direction of a health professional. View ECEAP Standards for more information: https://dcyf.wa.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/2023-24-ECEAP-Performance-Standards.pdf

Minimum Qualifications:

Employment as an ECEAP Family Support Aide or Health Aide in the same agency before July 1, 2014; OR the equivalent of 12 college quarter credits in family support, public health education, nursing or another field directly related to their job responsibilities.

ECEAP Health Consultant

A Health Consultant provides consultation regarding individual children’s health needs and health education programming for children and families. View ECEAP Standards for more information: https://dcyf.wa.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/2023-24-ECEAP-Performance-Standards.pdf

Minimum Qualifications:

18 years of age
Must meet one of the following qualifications:
- Licensed in Washington State as a registered nurse (R.N.) or as a physician (M.D., N.D, D.O.)
- Bachelor’s or higher degree in public health, nursing, health education, health sciences, medicine or related field

Head Start Family Support

Primary contact for parents to ensure that the needs of young children and families are addressed in the areas of family and community engagement by working with parents to ensure children receive health and nutrition services per the requirements of the Head Start performance standards and to help determine family goals, assess needs and access services in the community through periodic home visits. View Head Start Standards for more information https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/policy/45-cfr-chap-xiii

Minimum Qualifications:

18 years of age
Family and community partnership services must be supported by staff or consultants with training and experience in field(s) related to social, human, or family services.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor of Social Work or related field

Head Start Health and Nutrition Consultant / Staff

Participates and coordinates the Head Start health and nutritional services program; coordinates assigned activities with other Head Start service areas and with outside agencies; and provides highly responsible and complex administrative support ensuring integration of the Health and Nutrition program with other service areas. View Head Start Standards for more information https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/policy/45-cfr-chap-xiii

Minimum Qualifications:

18 years of age
Nutrition services must be supported by staff or consultants who are registered dietitians or nutritionists
Health services must be supported by staff or consultants with training and experience in public health, nursing, health education, maternal and child health, or health administration and are licensed/certified health professionals

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelors Degree

Head Start Parent Involvement Consultant / Staff

Responsible for program planning, oversight, monitoring, reporting and the progress of delivering appropriate family services. Assists with Parent Committees, helping parents to understand roles and responsibilities and working with them to secure community professionals and agencies to speak at parent meetings as well as maintaining community resource information. May also provide training and technical assistance to child development centers and early childhood teaching staff, parents and community. View Head Start Standards for more information https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/policy/45-cfr-chap-xiii

Minimum Qualifications:

18 years of age
a baccalaureate degree, preferably related to one or more of the disciplines they oversee.
have training, experience, and skills in assisting the parents of young children in advocating and decision-making for their families

Head Start Teacher 1

A Head Start Teacher 1/Lead Teacher has responsibility for classroom operation including, planning, carrying out activities, maintaining the classroom environment, supervising children, parent/teacher conferences, and supervision of classroom volunteers. They may also supervise and/or mentor teacher(s) and teacher assistant(s) at a site or assume classroom responsibilities. View Head Start Standards for more information https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/policy/45-cfr-chap-xiii

Minimum Qualifications:

18 years of age
Bachelor Degree in ECE in Early Childhood or related field.

Policy Roles: Licensing, Advocacy, Policy

A person in a Policy Role (Licensing, Advocacy, or Policy) supports the early care and education system focused at the community, regional or state level. They provide oversight, policy, system development, and state-wide program implementation. They often lead and/or participate in boards and committees that may establish policy and advocate on behalf of early learning professionals, children, and families.

Minimum Qualifications:

Varies, though typically an Associates or Bachelor's degree is required. A Master's degree or higher is required for some leadership or advocacy roles.

RBPD Content Specialist

Relationship-based professional development (RBPD) is defined as using professional relationships as a primary method to support the growth and development of adult learners. This approach uses a cycle of inquiry to facilitate the adult-learning process by taking individuals through steps of goal setting, observation, assessment, action planning, reflection and feedback. Coach specialists have an area of specialization; they provide coaching in their area of expertise. Areas of specialization may include: program administration, mental health, special needs, dual language learners, early numeracy.

Requirements:

Understanding of the Relationship-based Professional Development Standards
Experience with relationship-based professional development and working with adult learners
Specialized knowledge

Educational Pathways

Certificate in Practice-based Coaching
Bachelor’s degree in area of specialization

RBPD Generalist (Coach)

Relationship-based professional development (RBPD) is defined as using professional relationships as a primary method to support the growth and development of adult learners. This approach uses a cycle of inquiry to facilitate the adult-learning process by taking individuals through steps of goal setting, observation, assessment, action planning, reflection and feedback. Coaches lead this relationship-based process. They have specialized knowledge and adult-learning skills, and often serves in a different professional role than those being coached. Coaching uses the learning cycle to build capacity for specific professional skills and behaviors. They support the development of specific skills and practices; coaching focuses on performance-based outcomes.

Requirements:

Understanding of the Relationship-based Professional Development Standards
Experience with relationship-based professional development and working with adult learners

Educational Pathways:

Bachelor’s Degree

Certificate in Practice-based Coaching

Masters Degree

Students who complete a graduate-level course of study at a university or college can earn a master’s degree. Admission to the master’s program usually depends upon fulfillment of prerequisites (such as a bachelor’s degree). The particular requirements for earning the master’s degree—including required courses, number of credit hours, and internships—depend on the program and on the area of specialization chosen by the student. In the field of early learning, the degree awarded is usually a master of education (M.Ed.), and typically takes two years for a full-time student. The options that students have for areas of specialization (or majors) differ from program to program; examples include early childhood special education and human development.

Careers

ECE College Professor, Faculty, Adjunct Instructor

An Early Childhood Education College Professor, Faculty or Adjunct Instructor is employed by a higher education institution and use principles of adult learning to develop ECE courses according to the college and state common course requirements, designs a syllabus, delivers the course, either in person, online or in a hybrid format, gives meaningful feedback, and assess student learning.

Minimum Qualifications: A Master’s or Doctorate degree

ECEAP Mental Health Consultant

An ECEAP Mental Health Consultants observe and/or screen children regarding behavior, emotional needs, and mental health; work collaboratively with parents to address their child’s mental health issues, consult with staff regarding classroom support and interventions for children, refer children and families to local mental health services, and consult with and train staff as needed. View ECEAP Standards for more information: https://dcyf.wa.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/eceap/2019-20ECEAPPerformanceStandards.pdf

Minimum Qualifications:

18 years of age
The mental health consultant must meet one of the following qualifications:
- licensed by the Washington State Department of Health as a mental health counselor, marriage and family therapist, social worker, psychologist, psychiatrist, or psychiatric nurse
- approved by the Washington State Department of Health as an agency-affiliated or certified counselor, with a master’s degree in counseling, social work or related field
- credentialed by the Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction as a school counselor, social worker, or psychologist

Head Start Mental Health and Disabilities Consultant / Staff

Provides supplemental Mental Health and Disabilities services and related educational, technical, and consultative support to children, families and staff. Helps in the identification and accommodation of children with disabilities and behavioral needs. Works with teachers, parents, local education agencies, and community agencies in planning and program development, obtaining professional diagnoses and assessments of disabled individuals, and developing Individual Family Service Plans (IFSP); maintains records and writes reports. View Head Start Standards for more information https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/policy/45-cfr-chap-xiii

Minimum Qualifications:

18 years of age
licensed or certified mental health professionals with experience and expertise in serving young children and their families and training and experience in securing and individualizing needed services for children with disabilities.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's Degree

P-3 Educator

A P-3 Educator works in a program that offers education to children preschoolers through 3rd grade. This is often a public or private school.

Minimum Qualifications: Public School- Teacher Certification, either Elementary or P-3 and an ECE or ECE Special education Endorsement.

Licensed Private School (PreK - Kindergarten) – Bachelor in ECE.

Private School (Grades 1-3) – Teacher Certification.

Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education or P-3 and non-expiring teaching certificate