Washington State Community and Technical Colleges. Pathways for Future Educators

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1 Washington State Community and Technical Colleges Pathways for Future Educators

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3 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 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. 3

4 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 contentbased 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 4

5 Quick Chart: Education Transfer Degrees College D.T.A Elementary Education Math Education 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 Walla Walla Wenatchee Whatcom Yakima Valley Source: SBCTC Degree Inventory updated August

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7 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 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 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: 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. 7

8 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 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: 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: lattice.pdf 8

9 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%; Longterm trend 1.3% Washington State Average Hourly Wage (as of March 2011) Teacher Assistant: $14.36 Data Source: Employment Security: fortress.wa.gov/esd/employmentdata/home 9

10 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 10

11 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 community and 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 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 Spokane Falls Tacoma Walla Walla Wenatchee Whatcom Yakima Valley 11

12 Bates Technical College 1101 S. Yakima Ave. Tacoma, WA (253) TDD Bellevue College 3000 Landerholm Cir. SE Bellevue, WA (425) TTY (425) Early Care and Education - D School Age Child Development - C Preschool Child Development - C Parent Education - C Paraeducator - C Early Childhood Education D* Early Childhood Education - C Infant & Toddler Care C elearning for Educators - C 12 * Transfer options exist with one or more universities.

13 Big Bend Community College 7662 Chanute Street N.E. Moses Lake, WA (509) TDD (509) Bellingham Technical College 3028 Lindbergh Ave. Bellingham, WA (360) TDD (360) Early Childhood Education D Early Childhood Education - C Professional Technical Education D* Career & Technical Education - C Child Development-Essentials - C Early Learning C * Transfer options exist with one or more universities. 13

14 Centralia College 600 Centralia College Blvd. Centralia, WA (360) TDD (360) Early Childhood Education D* Early Childhood Education C Clark College 1933 Fort Vancouver Way Vancouver, WA (360) TDD (360) Early Childhood Education D* Infant - C Toddler - C School Age - C Advanced Curriculum Planning - C Family Child Care - C 14 * Transfer options exist with one or more universities.

15 Clover Park Technical College 4500 Steilacoom Blvd. SW Lakewood, WA (253) TDD (253) 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 - C Columbia Basin College 2600 North 20th Ave. Pasco, WA (509) TDD (509) Early Childhood Education D* Early Childhood Education - C Early Childhood Education Child Care - C * Transfer options exist with one or more universities. 15

16 Edmonds Community College th Ave W Lynnwood, WA (425) TDD (425) Everett Community College 2000 Tower Street Everett, WA (425) TDD (425) Early Childhood Education - D Education Paraprofessional - D Early Childhood Education - C Para-educator - C Early Childhood Education D* Early Childhood Education C 16 * Transfer options exist with one or more universities.

17 Grays Harbor College 1620 Edward P. Smith Drive Aberdeen, WA (360) TDD/TTY (360) Green River Community College SE 320th St. Auburn, WA (253) TDD (253) Early Childhood Education C (Available online only) Early Childhood Education D Early Childhood Education and Diversity Studies D* Paraeducator D* Early Childhood Education C Child Development Associate Prep C Early Childhood Assistant Teacher C Instructional Paraeducator C Montessori Teaching C * Transfer options exist with one or more universities. 17

18 Highline Community College 2400 S. 240th Street Des Moines, WA (206) TDD 1 (800) Lake Washington Institute of Technology nd Ave NE Kirkland, WA (425) TDD (425) Professional Technical Degrees (D) Early Childhood Education D* Professional Technical Education D* Child Care Manager - C Early Childhood Education - D Paraeducator D Early Childhood Education - C Family Child Care - C Infant Toddler Care - C School Age Care - C 18 * Transfer options exist with one or more universities.

19 Lower Columbia College 1600 Maple Street Longview, WA (360) TTY (360) North Seattle Community College 9600 College Way North Seattle, WA (206) TTY (206) Early Childhood Education D* Early Childhood Education C Paraeducator C Early Childhood Education - D Early Childhood Education - C * Transfer options exist with one or more universities. 19

20 Olympic College 9600 College Way North Seattle, WA (206) TTY (206) Peninsula College 1502 East Lauridsen Boulevard Port Angeles, WA (360) TDD (360) Early Childhood Education D* Early Childhood Education - C Infant-Toddler Specialist - C Family Child Care Management - C ECE Program Administration - C ECE Program Assistant - 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 - C 20 * Transfer options exist with one or more universities.

21 Pierce College 9401 Farwest Drive Southwest Lakewood, WA (253) TDD (253) Renton Technical College 3000 NE 4th Street Renton, WA (425) TDD (425) Early Childhood Education D* Early Childhood Education C Management of Child Care Programs - C Children w/special Needs - C School Age Child Care - C Early Childhood Education D* Early Childhood Education - C * Transfer options exist with one or more universities. 21

22 Seattle Central Community College 1701 Broadway Seattle, WA (206) TDD (206) Shoreline Community College Greenwood Avenue North Shoreline, WA TDD and Certificates (C Child and Family Studies D* TESOL - C (Advanced & Basic) Child and Family Studies - C Bilingual/Bicultural Education - D Early Childhood Educator and Paraeducator - D Special Education - D Child Care Professional - C In-Home Care Provider - C 22 * Transfer options exist with one or more universities.

23 Skagit Valley College 2405 East College Way Mt Vernon, WA (800) TDD (360) Early Childhood Education D* Paraeducation - D Early Childhood Education C Paraeducation - C South Puget Sound Community College 2011 Mottman Road SW Olympia, WA (360) TDD (360) Early Childhood Education D* Para-education - D Family Advocate - C School Age - C Infant-Toddler - C Lead Preschool - C * Transfer options exist with one or more universities. 23

24 Spokane Falls Community College 3410 W. Fort George Wright Drive Spokane, WA (509) TDD (509) Tacoma Community College 6501 South 19th St Tacoma, WA TDD Paraeducator/Early Childhood Education - D Child Development Specialist - C Paraeducator, Early Childhood Emphasis - C Management of Early Learning Program - 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 - C 24 * Transfer options exist with one or more universities.

25 Wenatchee Valley College 1300 Fifth Street Wenatchee, WA (509) TDD (509) Walla Walla Community College 500 Tausick Way Walla Walla, WA (509) TDD (509) Early Childhood Education - D Early Childhood Education - C Early Childhood Education - D Early Childhood Education - C * Transfer options exist with one or more universities. 25

26 Whatcom Community College 237 West Kellogg Road Bellingham, WA (360) TDD (360) Early Childhood Education - D Early Childhood Education - C Yakima Valley Community College South 16th & Nob Hill Blvd Yakima, WA TDD 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 - C 26 * Transfer options exist with one or more universities.

27 CAREER INFORMATION RESOURCES For additional information about education, teaching and education careers; explore the websites below: Career Bridge Department of Early Learning Workforce Explorer Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction Professional Educator Standards Board Washington Occupational Information System Workforce College Employment Security Data Center WorkSource Washington * Transfer options exist with one or more universities. 27

28 Center of Excellence for Careers in Education Green River Community College SE 320th St. Auburn, WA (253)