Overview

Research shows the critical importance and lifelong impact of giving young children nurturing and stimulating spaces in which to grow. This field may be right for you if: 

  • You enjoy working with both children and adults. 
  • You are interested in the ways children grow and develop. 
  • You want to make a positive difference in the lives of children and families. 
  • You have energy to meet daily challenges and a sense of humor! 

Courses offered through the Olympic College Early Childhood Education Program are developed as 'stackable' certificates that allow early learning professionals to build their education toward a single, statewide early childhood education credential and many courses apply towards an Early Childhood Education Endorsement for those with a Washington State Teaching Certificate. 

MORE INFO

Complete a short form and a member of the Welcome Center will follow up with you right away! Virtual assistance is available from 1 - 3 pm, on Tuesdays. 

REQUEST INFOVirtual Assistance

Contact us

For general questions about the Early Childhood Education program, contact Christine Kubli.

Current and returning students contact the Program Coordinator Gayle Julian or Faculty Advisor Holly Lanoue.

Academic Programs

Consider taking specific Early Chooldhood Education classes as distribution requirements and electives that lead to your Associate in Arts- Direct Transfer (AA-DTA): Early Childhood Education; Associate in Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T): Early Childhood Education; or Associate in Technical Arts (ATA): Early Childhood Education. See below for stackable certificates that can be earned while working towards completion of our associate degree options. 

AA-DTA: Early Childhood Education

AAS-T: Early Childhood Education

ATA: Early Childhood Education

Stackable Certificate Programs

Courses offered through the Olympic College Early Childhood Education Program are developed as "stackable certificates" that allow early learning professionals to build your education towards either a technical or transferable degree. Many courses apply towards an Early Childhood Education Endorsement for those with a Washington State Teaching Certificate.

CP: ECE State Credential

CC: ECE Administration

CC: ECE Family Childcare

CC: ECE General Certificate

CC: ECE Home Visitor/Family Engagement

CC: ECE Infant Toddler Certificate

CC: ECE School-Age Care Certificate

CR: ECE Initial Certificate

Transfer & Career Info

Earn your Teacher Certificate at olympic college?

Looking down at a table with child blocks. Teacher is sitting and playing with blocks with a little girl.

Earn your Teacher Certificate at olympic college?

Earn your Bachelor's Degree and Elementary (P-3) Teacher Certification at OC through our partnership with Western Washington University! You can learn more under the Transfer Info tab below, or by visiting WWU online:

WWU Early Childhood

Faculty Advisors

Every student is assigned an advising team consisting of your Student Success Coach and Faculty Advisor. Your Faculty Advisor is determined once you decide on your specific academic program. The following are Advisors for the Early Childhood Education program.

Mission Statement
Smiling female teacher sitting closely with kids showing them a book


Mission Statement

The Early Childhood Education Program promotes the belief that students and faculty are partners, actively engaged in a continual learning process to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to meet the needs of young children and families. These needs are met by practitioners that understand their role in providing both care and education that is developmentally appropriate, culturally sensitive, family oriented, and responsive to individual needs.

Parenting Education Classes

Little girt

Olympic College offers a variety of Parenting Classes for both students pursing the Early Childhood Education certificates and degrees and as electives for students interested in learning more about childhood development or age-related parenting skills. 

Parent Education Classes 

For additional information on Community or Curriculum Parenting Classes at OC, please contact Melanie Cole.

Parenting Through Divorce & Beyond

This seminar is approved by the Kitsap County Superior Court and intended for parents involved in divorce, legal separation, or paternity actions. 

  • This four hour seminar will focus on children’s needs during their parent’s separation, custody issues and/or divorce.
  • Parents will learn about the developmental stages of children, communication skills, the impact of divorce on children and positive parenting skills.
  • Upon completion, you will be given a Certificate of Completion to be filed with the Court.

Visit the Parenting Through Divorce & Beyond webpage for more info, including class dates, how to enroll, and fees.

Parenting Through Divorce webpage

Academic Division

Early Childhood Education is part of the Social Sciences & Humanities Division (SSH). Visit the SSH Division webpage for more info, including support resources and services, and contact info for division staff and the dean. The Social Sciences & Humanities Division can assist you with: 

  • Advising
  • Connecting with faculty
  • Finding campus resources
  • Support for procedural processes such as a grade appeal or student complaint