Early Childhood State Certificate
Welcome to the Program Page dedicated to the Early Childhood State Certificate program! This information may change. Please contact your advisor for more information regarding the courses. To see which materials are needed for your courses, click this bookstore link (Links to an external site.) and enter the course information.
Bookstore Information
Information regarding the materials can be found at the RTC bookstore
Links to an external site.. Just fill in the course information and you will be set!
The bookstore has what you need in regards to materials so be sure to check it out! It is always better to be prepared than to wait last second to buy your materials!
Materials Warning
Some materials on this page are listed as TBD, which means that the materials have yet to be determined. Please consult your instructor on what textbooks or materials are required for the class. If you rent a textbook, make sure you return it by the deadline. If you purchase a textbook, you can sell it back to the RTC bookstore -- but make sure that you won't need the book again for classes in the future!
General Overview
When can I start? Fall (September), Winter (January), Spring (April), or Summer (July)
How long is the program?
- 4 quarters (11 to 12 months), or
- 6 quarters part-time (17 to 18 months) with 47 total credits
When do classes meet? Mostly online. Practicum courses require students to complete a certain number of hours in childcare setting.
The Early Childhood Education (ECE) program offers a series of stackable certificates to meet Washington State requirements to work in a home daycare or child care center.
The State certificate is the third in the sequence. It is recommended for people who want to work as an owner or director of a childcare center or home daycare.
What does a childcare center director do?
What is the average salary?
$58,180 annually Links to an external site. in the Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma area. Most childcare workers in King County earn at least $45,300.
Who can I contact with questions?
- New students, please visit our Zoom lobby (Links to an external site.) to talk with someone by video chat, or e-mail our advising department.
- For current students, please visit RTC's advising page (Links to an external site and look for the faculty counselor assigned to Early Childhood Education.
Overall Materials Needed:
- Access to a functioning laptop or computer (you may use computers on the RTC campus)
- Webcam (in case some courses require Zoom classes)
- Headset with microphone (in case some courses require Zoom classes)
- Working internet connection
- School supplies ($20 for notebook, pens, and highlighters)
You must pass all courses with a 2.0 GPA or higher to graduate.
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