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What is the difference between an A.A., A.A.S., and a certificate?
The ECE certificate of completion concentrates on
courses that prepare students for early entry into the job market as a paraprofessional,
or to upgrade skill levels for those persons already working with young children.
Core courses include issues and trends in ECE, child development and guidance, curriculum
methods and strategies, infant-toddler care, interpersonal communication, math and
writing skills, and first aid. This one-year certificate
of completion satisfies state requirements for program supervisors, child
care center directors, or family child care providers.
The
A.A.S degree builds on these core courses and is designed to provide skills
a child care professional needs to give quality care and education. Additionally,
this six-quarter program offers courses in family dynamics, special education, selected
electives as well as a practicum. This two-year professional/technical degree, called
the associate in applied science (A.A.S.) degree, prepares students for immediate
employment.
The A.A. degree program and the AAS-T degree program are designed for
students planning to transfer to a four-year institution to complete a B.A. in education
and other related fields. To complete their A.A. degree, students must earn
65 credits in liberal arts areas and additional credits in elective courses chosen
from the ECE program. The coursework in the AAS-T degree addresses all of
the ECED knowledge competencies required by the Washington State Board of Education
for certified teacher endorsement in Early Childhood Education per WAC 180-82A plus
general education coursework necessary for transfer. In all cases, we strongly recommend
that students contact the four-year institution of choice to determine how many
and which credits offered by the SFCC program will be accepted.
We also offer certificates of specialization
addressing many of the specializations currently offered by employers in the field.
Can I transfer my ECE credits/degree from Spokane Falls Community College to four
year institutions?
We have an articulation agreement in place between SFCC and WSU for the Distance
Degree program. This agreement allows students with the A.A.S. degree to transfer
into the B.A. in Human Development program through WSU. Contact an ECE Instructor
for additional information and to determine the best pathway for transferring.
I work full time. When are classes available?
The ECE program at SFCC offers classes Monday through Friday days, evenings, and
weekends. Contact Connie Carlson (509) 533-3619 to request a schedule of upcoming
courses.
How do I get registered?
Contact the Admissions Office at (509) 533-3500 or
Apply Online.
How many ECE classes should I take my first quarter?
The Field Experience Orientation (F.E.O.) course is one of the first courses you
will need to take. F.E.O. is a prerequisite course for the program, as it provides
all of the information and forms necessary for the field experience component of
the courses. You may take it in conjunction with another ECE course. We recommend
that you take no more than two ECE courses (including F.E.O.) that require field
experience your first quarter. You may, however, wish to add a course required for
the program that does not include field experience hours.
Where can I complete my field experience hours?
Field experience hours need to be completed in an approved field site under the
supervision of a qualified mentor. Fifty percent of your field site hours can be
completed at a non-approved site following your first quarter in the program.
Contact Connie Carlson at (509) 533-3619
to inquire about field site placement and requirements for field site approval.
Do the hours I spend babysitting and/or working in the church nursery count?
Field experience hours must be completed at a licensed child care, ECEAP/Head Start
site, or elementary school under the direction of a qualified supervisor. Time spent
in interaction with children is invaluable but does not meet placement requirements
for field experience in our program. Field hours need to be completed during the
quarter that courses are taken.
How is my work in the field experience site graded?
The evaluation for field experience hours is based on the
Washington State Skill Standards for the early childhood profession. Students
earn 40% of the course grade through documentation of specific skills accomplished
in their field site.
See the link to the Washington State Skill Standards and our Online forms for each
course.
I want to open a child care in my home - do I need a degree?
Contact the Division
of Child Care and Early Learning to find the current requirements for child
care providers in the state of Washington.
Phone: (509) 363-3400
Do you provide STARS Training?
Yes! Child Care Basic Training (20 hour) is offered once a year in the summer for
college credit. We offer quarterly workshops called ECE Seminars that meet on Saturday
afternoons for 5 hours. These workshops meet 5 hours of the 10 annual ongoing training
requirements and earn .5 college credits of electives in the ECE program at SFCC.
Information on current course offerings is available by contacting
Connie Carlson at (509) 533-3619.
Can I get college credit for the ECE classes I took in high school?
Articulation agreements are in place for many of the Spokane area high schools that
offer early child development courses. Access the
articulation agreement web site for more information. (You will need to scroll
down to item #18.) You can also register online with NE Washington Technical Education
Consortium for Dual Credit
Registration.
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