Early Childhood Education

Program Information

Early Childhood Education Program Options

Red filled-in circle with a green outline drawn in colored pencils, representing students preparing for their degree in ECE in Washington coursework.

The Early Childhood Education (ECE) program at Western Washington University offers two options to students. Both options are available in Bellingham and Bremerton locations. The program prepares future early childhood education professionals working with young children and their families from birth through third grade in schools, childcare centers, preschools, Head Start programs, and community programs throughout Washington State. 

  • The P-3 option is designed for students wanting to specialize in early childhood education (birth through third grade) and seek a teaching endorsement to work in the public schools.
  • The Non-certification option is designed for individuals who want to work in positions specific to the birth to eight years age range in childcare, Head Start or with school-age children in after-school programs.

Upon completion of the program, candidates can work in childcare centers, preschools, Head Start programs, and, if they receive the P-3 teacher endorsement, in the primary grades in public schools. The course work offers a combination of theory, methods, and field experiences in a variety of early childhood settings.

Why Choose Early Childhood Education?

Unique Program Features

  • Students attend classes with other early childhood education students as a cohort group throughout the program.
  • Students gain experience in teaching children in three age groups (infant/toddlers, pre-primary and primary) and in a variety of settings.
  • Students are taught to understand and respect intercultural/familial diversity as they learn to develop partnerships with families.
  • Students learn to use inquiry tools and process for developing meaningful and integrated learning experiences for young children.

Why Choose Western Washington University for Early Childhood Education in Washington State?

  • The Early Childhood Education (ECE) program in Washington State provides early childhood teacher preparation in Washington for those pursuing early learning careers. 
  • The ECE degree is accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Early Childhood Higher Education Programs of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
  • The ECE degree program in Washington State is offered at both Bellingham and Bremerton locations to meet Washington State workforce demand.
  • The ECE degree P-3 teacher endorsement option is available for those who want to specialize in early childhood education (birth through third grade) and seek a teaching endorsement to work in the public schools.
  • The ECE degree includes field experiences across many different Washington communities.