Washington State Community and Technical Colleges
About This Guide
Do you enjoy working with people? Are you searching for a career that will help you make a difference in the lives of others? If you are, then perhaps you’ve thought about education as a potential career path. Maybe you want to teach math or science, put your creativity to work in an early childhood setting, or maybe you thought about working in special education as a teacher assistant? Whatever your future considerations, the community and technical colleges of Washington offer educational pathways that will help you reach your destination.
There are 34 community and technical colleges in Washington and chances are, there’s one near you. The benefits of attending a community or technical college include:
• Lower tuition – Based on 2011-12 rates, annual tuition and fees at a community or technical college are approximately 48-65%
less than at a public university.
• Smaller average class size – More individual contact with your instructors.
• Location – a college nearby means you have the ability to save money by living at home while taking classes.
• Convenience – Evening, online and hybrid classes offer a greater potential of finding a schedule that meets your busy life.
This program guide is not intended for academic planning but to highlight the various pathways for education careers that exist at community and technical colleges across the state. For specific information about a particular program, degree or certificate, you should use the
contact information in this guide to connect with the individual college.
The Road to Teaching
Certification
In order to teach in a Washington State public school classroom, a person must become certified by completing a state-approved teacher certification program and passing a state exam, the Washington Educator Skills Test - Endorsements (WEST-E). There are three types of certification programs in Washington:
• Bachelor’s with certification • Post-baccalaureate certification • Master’s with certification
Upon successful completion of a state-approved teacher certification program, new graduates earn a Residency Certificate. This certificate is valid for five years. Within the first five years in the profession, teachers are required to complete a professional certificate (advanced certification) program.
The WEST-B (Washington Educator Skills Test – Basic) is required of all applicants entering Washington-approved teacher preparation programs. The basic skills areas included in the assessment are reading, mathematics and writing. The WEST-E (Washington Educator Skills Test – Endorsements) is taken by candidates exiting their teacher preparation program. It measures the subject knowledge required of a candidate seeking a content-based teaching assignment. In order to hold a valid teaching certificate in Washington public schools, a teacher is currently required to pass both tests.
Transfer Degrees –
Teacher preparation programs are housed at universities across the state; community college students interested in teaching will likely be following the Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) associate degree. The DTA Associate Degree, sometimes called the Associate in Arts or Associate in Arts and Sciences, is the community college degree designed to transfer to most bachelor of arts degrees at Washington’s four-year institutions. Some colleges also offer Major Related Programs (MRP); pathways intended to help transfer students better prepare for their junior year upon transfer. These pathways follow statewide transfer agreements and include early selection of academic interests for competitive selection at four-year colleges and universities.
Statement of Clarification and Accuracy
Despite the Center’s best effort to be inclusive and correct, this publication may contain
inaccuracies, which should not reflect negatively on the programs, organization, or individuals included. To report a correction, please contact the Center at www.careersined.org
Quick Chart:
Education Transfer
Degrees
College
Bellevue • • • Big Bend • • Cascadia • Centralia • • Clark • • • Columbia Basin • • • Edmonds • • Everett • • Grays Harbor • Green River • • • Highline • • Lower Columbia • • • North Seattle • Olympic • • Peninsula • • • Pierce Ft. Stelicoom • • • Pierce Puyallup • • • Renton • Seattle Central • • • Shoreline • • • Skagit Valley • South Puget Sound • • • South Seattle • • Spokane • • • Spokane Falls • • • Tacoma • • Math Education D.T .A Elementary Education
Alternative Routes to
Certification
Alternative routes to certification are accelerated teacher preparation programs for those who meet specific criteria and are seeking an endorsement in a “shortage area.” Alternative routes typically apply to working adults who already have an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree. There are currently four alternative route pathways; for more information, visit the Professional Educator Standards Board Web site at www.pesb.
wa.gov about qualifying criteria and education providers in Washington.
Shortage Areas
According to the Professional Educator Standards Board, the areas below represent the most common shortage areas in 2012. Individual districts may have additional subject matter shortages specific to their part of the state. • Special Education • English Language Learner • Chemistry • Physics • Science • Mathematics • Middle Level Math • Middle Level Science • Early Childhood Special Education • Biology • Earth Science • Bilingual Education
Career and Technical Education in the
High Schools
Are you a high school student planning to take an education related class through career and technical education? You may be able to earn college credit through your local community or technical college. Check with your high school teacher or career specialist to learn more. You can also visit the Career and Technical Education page online:
www.k12.wa.us/CareerTechEd/Clusters/ EducationTrng.aspx
Professional-Technical Degrees and
Certificates
Community and technical colleges offer short-term degrees and certificates that prepare students for entry to the workforce. Professional-technical degrees typically average six quarters while certificates can range from one quarter to three. See individual college pages for more information about their specific offerings. Check with each individual college about the transferability of their program. Certificate programs typically take anywhere from one to three quarters to complete. The two most common education programs offered in the community and technical college system are Early Childhood Education and Paraeducation.
CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING
Every community and technical college in Washington has some form of assessment for prior learning. Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is accomplished through standardized tests (i.e. CLEP and DANTES), course challenge examinations, portfolio assessment, and crosswalks between work-based learning and college courses. Some industry recognized credentials, like the Child Development Associate (CDA), can be awarded college credit through the Early Childhood Education programs at community and technical colleges. To find a list of PLA contacts for each college, go to www.hecb. wa.gov and search for “prior learning.”
Early Childhood Education
Early Childhood Education programs are typically designed to prepare people for work in a variety of child-focused settings. Programs focus on the growth and development of
children from birth through age eight. Students learn how to create a nurturing child-centered environment and design developmentally appropriate curriculum. Students must also demonstrate current first aid, health, and safety techniques. Several colleges offer Early Childhood Special Education options.
Coursework in Early Childhood Programs May Include • Diversity in the Classroom • School Health Education • Teaching Strategies • Classroom Technology • Child Psychology • Guidance of Social Behavior Career Opportunities
Typical work environments include preschools and child care centers and graduates often find positions as home child care providers; early/ head start teacher assistants; family service advocates and preschool teachers.
Washington State Employment Projections (both considered in-demand)
Preschool Teachers: Short-term trend 2.0%; Long-term trend 1.9%
Childcare Workers: Short-term trend 1.8%; Long-term trend 2.8%
Washington State Average Hourly Wage (as of March 2011)
Preschool Teachers: $14.07 Childcare Workers: $11.20
Data Source: Employment Security: https:// fortress.wa.gov/esd/employmentdata/home
Washington State Career Lattice
Education and professional development are more important than ever for early care, education and school age professionals. Washington State recently adopted a career lattice that provides a clear pathway for professional development. The lattice is available through the Department of Early Learning (D.E.L) at:www.del.wa.gov/publications/PD/Career_ lattice.pdf
Paraeducation
Paraeducator programs are designed to prepare students to help teachers in the classroom or other educational settings. Paraeducator students may learn how to supervise those with special needs and to assist with
preparation of activities or lesson plans. Some may work with individuals who need extra help while others may work with groups of children. Paraeducators may assist teachers with activities such as grading homework or preparing lesson plans for a specific topic such as math or science.
Coursework May Include • Instructional Methods • Health and Nutrition • Media Assisted Instruction • Survey of Education • Educational Psychology • Classroom Behavior Management Career Opportunities
Qualified graduates often work in public or private school settings with job titles that include teacher aide; educational assistant; instructional aide; supervisory assistant and educational paraprofessional.
Washington State Employment Projection (considered in-demand)
Teacher Assistant: Short-term trend .4%; Long-term trend 1.3%
Washington State Average Hourly Wage (as of March 2011)
Teacher Assistant: $14.36
Data Source: Employment Security: https:// fortress.wa.gov/esd/employmentdata/home
I-BEST
Integrated Basic Education Skills
Training
I-BEST classes integrate college credit courses with English language and adult basic skills; they are short in duration typically lasting one quarter. Many colleges offer I-BEST programs related specifically to education careers. Students can earn a short-term certificate and be ready for entry level work OR return for additional training. • Infant Toddler Care – Bellevue Community College • Child Development (CDA) Essentials Program – Bellingham Technical College • Early Childhood Education – Big Bend Community College • Early Childhood Education – Centralia College • Early Childhood Education Teacher/Child Care Specialist – Centralia College • Initial Child Care Certificate – Clark College • Child Development Associate I – Columbia Basin College • Child Development Associate II – Columbia Basin College • Parent Mentor Certificate – Edmonds Community College • Child Development Associate Preparation – Green River Community College • Early Childhood Assistant Teacher – Green River Community College • Childcare Assistant – Highline Community College • Family Home Child Care – Highline Community College • School-Age Care Certificate – Highline Community College • Early Childhood Education – Lower Columbia College • Early Childhood Education – Olympic College • Early Childhood Education – Peninsula College • Early Childhood Education – Pierce College, Ft. Steilacoom • Early Childhood Careers – Renton Technical College • Para educator/Bilingual Assistant – Renton Technical College • Child Development Associate – Seattle Central Community College • Early Childhood Education – Skagit Valley College • Early Childhood Development Specialist – Tacoma Community College • Early Childhood Education – Walla Walla Community College • Early Childhood Education – Wenatchee Valley College • Child Development Associate – Yakima Valley Community College • Child Development Associate – Yakima Valley Community College
Additional Short Term
Training
Child Development Associate
Credential Preparation Certificate
The Child Development Associate (CDA) is recognized nationally and by the State of Washington. It allows students to be a program supervisor, director or lead teacher in an early childhood setting. Some communityand technical colleges offer training and preparation towards the CDA credential.
Washington STARS
The Department of Early Learning administers the State Training and Registry Systems (STARS) career development system. The program was designed for people working in child care, early education, family child care and school-age care to improve child care through continuous training for providers. STARS training is available at some colleges and many high schools for articulated college credit. Visit www.stars.dshs.wa.gov for additional information.
College
CDA and
CDA Prep
STARS Basic
STARS
Continuing Ed.
Bates • • • Bellevue • • Bellingham Technical • • • Big Bend • • • Centralia • • • Clark • • • Clover Park • • Columbia Basin • • • Edmonds • • Green River • • • Highline Lake Washington • • Olympic • • • Peninsula • • Renton Tech • • South Puget Sound • •Bates Technical College
1101 S. Yakima Ave.
Tacoma, WA 98405
(253) 680-7000
TDD 253-680-7046
www.bates.ctc.edu
Professional-Technical Degrees (D)
and Certificates (C)
Early Care and Education - D School Age Child Development - C Preschool Child Development - C Parent Education - C Paraeducator - CBellevue College
3000 Landerholm Cir. SE
Bellevue, WA 98007
(425) 564-1000
TTY (425) 564-1100
www.bellevuecollege.edu
Professional-Technical Degrees (D)
and Certificates (C)
Early Childhood Education – D* Early Childhood Education - C Infant & Toddler Care – C elearning for Educators - CBellingham Technical College
3028 Lindbergh Ave.
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 752-8350
TDD (360) 752-8515
www.btc.ctc.edu
Professional-Technical Degrees (D)
and Certificates (C)
Big Bend Community College
7662 Chanute Street N.E.
Moses Lake, WA 98337
(509) 763-2222
TDD (509) 762-6335
www.bigbend.edu
Professional-Technical Degrees (D)
and Certificates (C)
Early Childhood Education – D Early Childhood Education - CCentralia College
600 Centralia College Blvd.
Centralia, WA 98531
(360) 736-9391
TDD (360) 807-6227
www.centralia.edu
Professional-Technical Degrees (D)
and Certificates (C)
Early Childhood Education – D* Early Childhood Education – CClark College
1933 Fort Vancouver Way
Vancouver, WA 98663
(360) 992-2000
TDD (360) 992-2835
www.clark.edu
Professional-Technical Degrees (D)
and Certificates (C)
Early Childhood Education – D* Infant - C Toddler - C School Age - C Advanced Curriculum Planning - C Family Child Care - CClover Park Technical College
4500 Steilacoom Blvd. SW
Lakewood, WA 98499
(253) 589-5800
TDD (253) 589-5801
www.cptc.edu
Professional-Technical Degrees (D)
and Certificates (C)
Early Care & Education Degree – D* School-Age Out of School Program - C Special Needs - C Sustaining a Green Program - C Creating a Green Classroom - C Early Childhood Foundation - C Early Childhood Leadership - C Early Childhood Specialist - CColumbia Basin College
2600 North 20th Ave.
Pasco, WA 99301
(509) 547-0511
TDD (509) 546-0400
www.columbiabasin.edu
Professional-Technical Degrees (D)
and Certificates (C)
Early Childhood Education – D* Early Childhood Education - C Early Childhood Education Child Care - CEdmonds Community College
20000 - 68th Ave W
Lynnwood, WA 98036
(425) 640-1459
TDD (425) 774-8669
www.edcc.edu
Professional-Technical Degrees (D)
and Certificates (C)
Early Childhood Education – D* Early Childhood Education – CEverett Community College
2000 Tower Street
Everett, WA 98201
(425) 388-9100
TDD (425) 388-9109
www.everettcc.edu
Professional-Technical Degrees (D)
and Certificates (C)
Early Childhood Education - D Education Paraprofessional - D Early Childhood Education - C Para-educator - CGrays Harbor College
1620 Edward P. Smith Drive
Aberdeen, WA 98520
(360) 532-9020
TDD/TTY (360) 538-4223
www.ghc.edu
Professional-Technical Degrees (D)
and Certificates (C)
Early Childhood Education – C (Available online only)Green River Community
College
12401 SE 320th St.
Auburn, WA 98092
(253) 833-9111
TDD (253) 288-3359
www.greenriver.edu
Professional-Technical Degrees (D)
and Certificates (C)
Early Childhood Education – D Early Childhood Education and Diversity Studies – D*Highline Community College
2400 S. 240th Street
Des Moines, WA 98198
(206) 878-3710
TDD 1 (800) 833-6388
www.highline.edu/
Lake Washington Institute of
Technology
11605 132nd Ave NE
Kirkland, WA 98034
(425) 739-8100
TDD (425) 739-8109
www.lwtech.edu
Professional Technical Degrees (D)
and Certificates (C)
Early Childhood Education - D Paraeducator – D Early Childhood Education - C Family Child Care - C Infant Toddler Care - C School Age Care - CProfessional-Technical Degrees (D)
and Certificates (C)
Early Childhood Education – D* Professional Technical Education – D* Child Care Manager - CLower Columbia College
1600 Maple Street
Longview, WA 98632
(360) 442-2000
TTY (360) 442-2344
www.lowercolumbia.edu
Professional-Technical Degrees (D)
and Certificates (C)
Early Childhood Education – D* Early Childhood Education – C Paraeducator – CNorth Seattle Community
College
9600 College Way North
Seattle, WA 98103
(206) 527-3600
TTY (206) 526-0079
www.northseattle.edu
Professional-Technical Degrees (D)
and Certificates (C)
Early Childhood Education - D Early Childhood Education - COlympic College
9600 College Way North
Seattle, WA 98103
(206) 527-3600
TTY (206) 526-0079
www.northseattle.edu
Professional-Technical Degrees (D)
and Certificates (C)
Early Childhood Education – D* Early Childhood Education - C Infant-Toddler Specialist - C Family Child Care Management - C ECE Program Administration - C ECE Program Assistant - CPeninsula College
1502 East Lauridsen Boulevard
Port Angeles, WA 98362
(360) 452-9277
TDD (360) 417-6339
www.pc.ctc.edu
Professional-Technical Degrees (D)
and Certificates (C)
Early Childhood Education - D Early Childhood Education - C ECE Child Care - C ECE Children with Special Needs - C ECE Early Childhood Education Curriculum - C ECE Infant and Toddler - C ECE School Age Care - CPierce College
9401 Farwest Drive Southwest
Lakewood, WA 98498
(253) 964-6500
TDD (253) 964-6228
www.pierce.ctc.edu
Professional-Technical Degrees (D)
and Certificates (C)
Early Childhood Education – D* Early Childhood Education - CRenton Technical College
3000 NE 4th Street
Renton, WA 98056
(425) 235-2352
TDD (425)-235-5811
www.rtc.edu
Professional-Technical Degrees (D)
and Certificates (C)
Early Childhood Education – D* Early Childhood Education – C Management of Child Care Programs - C Children w/Special Needs - C School Age Child Care - CSeattle Central Community
College
1701 Broadway
Seattle, WA 98122
(206) 587-3800
TDD (206) 344-4395
www.seattlecentral.edu
Professional-Technical Degrees (D)
and Certificates (C
Child and Family Studies – D* TESOL - C (Advanced & Basic) Child and Family Studies - CShoreline Community College
16101 Greenwood Avenue North
Shoreline, WA 98133-5696
206-546-4101
TDD 206-546-4520
www.shoreline.edu
Professional-Technical Degrees (D)
and Certificates (C)
Bilingual/Bicultural Education - D Early Childhood Educator and Paraeducator - D Special Education - D Child Care Professional - C In-Home Care Provider - CSkagit Valley College
2405 East College Way
Mt Vernon, WA 98273
1 (800) 385-5360
TDD (360) 416-7718
www.skagit.edu
Professional-Technical Degrees (D)
and Certificates (C)
Early Childhood Education – D* Paraeducation - D Early Childhood Education – C Paraeducation - CSouth Puget Sound
Community College
2011 Mottman Road SW
Olympia, WA 98512
(360) 754-7711
TDD (360) 754-6477
www.spscc.ctc.edu
Professional-Technical Degrees (D)
and Certificates (C)
Early Childhood Education – D* Para-education - D Family Advocate - C School Age - C Infant-Toddler - C Lead Preschool - CSpokane Falls Community
College
3410 W. Fort George Wright Drive
Spokane, WA 99224-5288
(509) 533-3500
TDD (509) 533-3292
www.spokanefalls.edu/
Professional-Technical Degrees (D)
and Certificates (C)
Education Paraprofessional - D Infant Toddler Specialist - C Early Childhood Specialist I - C School-Age Care Specialist - C Early Childhood Specialist II - C Curriculum Development Specialist - C Family Services Advocate - C Child Care Administration Specialist - C Family Child Care Specialist - CTacoma Community College
6501 South 19th St
Tacoma, WA 98466
253-566-5000
TDD 253-566-5130
www.tacomacc.edu
Professional-Technical Degrees (D)
and Certificates (C)
Paraeducator/Early Childhood Education - D Child Development Specialist - C Paraeducator, Early Childhood Emphasis - C Management of Early Learning Program - CWalla Walla Community
College
500 Tausick Way
Walla Walla, WA 99362
(509) 522-2500
TDD (509) 527-4412
www.wwcc.edu
Professional-Technical Degrees (D)
and Certificates (C)
Early Childhood Education - D Early Childhood Education - CWenatchee Valley College
1300 Fifth Street
Wenatchee, WA 98801
(509) 682-6800
TDD (509) 682-6853
www.wvc.edu
Professional-Technical Degrees (D)
and Certificates (C)
Early Childhood Education - D Early Childhood Education - CWhatcom Community College
237 West Kellogg Road
Bellingham, WA 98226
(360) 383-3000
TDD (360) 647-3279
www.whatcom.ctc.edu
Professional-Technical Degrees (D)
and Certificates (C)
Early Childhood Education - D Early Childhood Education - CYakima Valley Community
College
South 16th & Nob Hill Blvd
Yakima, WA 98902
509-574-4600
TDD 509-574-4600
www.yvcc.edu
Professional-Technical Degrees (D)
and Certificates (C)
Early Childhood Education - D Early Childhood Education with a Preschool Special Education Option - D ECE Childcare Provider - C ECE Childcare Assistant - C Infant-Toddler Instructional Assistant - C Para-education - C Preschool Instructional Assistant - C Preschool Special Ed. Instructional Assistant - C School Age Care - C Vocational Preschool Teacher - CCAREER INFORMATION RESOURCES
For additional information about education, teaching and education careers; explore the websites below:
Career Bridge
www.careerbridge.wa.gov
Department of Early Learning
www.del.wa.govWorkforce Explorer
www.workforceexplorer.comOffice of the Superintendent of Public Instruction
http://www.k12.wa.us/Professional Educator Standards Board
www.pesb.wa.govWashington Occupational Information System
www.wois.orgWorkforce College
www.workforcecollege.comEmployment Security Data Center
Green River Community College 12401 SE 320th St. Auburn, WA 98092-3622
(253) 833-9111 www.careersined.org
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