Early Childhood Education at WWU Peninsulas
Western Washington University's Early Childhood Education Program provides a comprehensive and dynamic learning experience for individuals aspiring to shape the future of young children. Offering two distinct pathways, the program is designed for candidates who seek a fulfilling career in early childhood education. Our curriculum equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to support young children and their families across a variety of settings. From birth-to-age-three programs to preschools, elementary schools, and home or community environments, our graduates are prepared to make a meaningful impact.
The program emphasizes diversity and inclusivity, recognizing the importance of cultivating positive learning experiences for all children. Students explore a wide range of topics, including child development, family engagement, inclusive teaching practices, and culturally responsive education. Through a blend of theoretical coursework and hands-on field experiences, candidates gain practical skills and build connections with educators in the field. Our graduates leave Western Washington University with the expertise to create nurturing and enriching educational environments, ready to inspire and support the next generation.
Early Childhood Education (P-3 Option), BAE
The Early Childhood Education (P-3 Option) program at Western Washington University on the Peninsulas is a 2+2 degree designed for students who have completed an associate's degree or WWU's transfer requirements. This program combines studies in Early Childhood and Special Education and leads to a teaching certification with endorsements in Early Childhood Special Education and Early Childhood Education (P-3).
Offered in Bremerton
Early Childhood Education (Non-Certification), BAE
Designed for students who have completed an associate's degree or transfer requirements, the Early Childhood Education (Non-Certification) program at Western Washington University on the Peninsulas a 2+2 degree offered in Bremerton. The coursework offers a combination of theory, methods, and field experiences in a variety of early childhood education settings. This program is for students who are not seeking certification to work in the public schools.
Offered in Bremerton
Inclusive education is a dynamic and ever evolving approach to teaching that is transforming today’s schools. In our program, we believe that inclusive education involves the valuing and facilitating of full participation and belonging of all students. Every educator benefits from knowing how to design environments, create supports and facilitate learning experiences that provide opportunities for each student to succeed. Our unique dual endorsement program is designed to provide you with the background and experiences to be an instrument of change in your chosen teaching path.
Graduates from our program are highly sought after teachers in both general and special education classrooms and are frequently at the top of candidate pool for teaching jobs.
Careers
- Elementary Education Teacher
- Childcare
- Lead Preschool Teacher
- Special Education Teacher
Admission Requirements
Early Childhood Education P-3 Option, BAE
- AAS-T: Early Childhood Education** OR Associate's Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) or equivalent coursework to meet WWU's General University Requirements (GURs)**
- 2.75 cumulative GPA
- OC ENGL& 101 or 102 with grade B- or better
- OC MATH 99 AND MATH& 107 OR MATH& 141, or MATH& 131 with grade C or better
- Have taken or have scheduled, the WEST B or SAT/ACT. WEST B website: http://www.west.nesinc.com/TestView.aspx?f=HTML_FRAG/WA095_TestPage.html. Only ECE P-3 applicants are required to take the WEST-B.
Early Childhood Education – Non Certification, BAE
- completion of a minimum of 45 credits.
- 2.75 cumulative GPA
- Meet the basic skills requirement. This may be met by: a) Taking the West-B exam, b) SAT scores, c) ACT scores.
- There is no minimum score requirement for admission. See the Woodring admissions website: wce.wwu.edu/admissions/west-b-requirement and the West-B website: www.west.nesinc.com.
completion of an English composition course with grade of B- or higher.
Learn what community college courses are equivalent to WWU courses.
Take the Plunge
Planning for your degree program and career can bring questions - and we want to help answer them!
Reach out for more information and connect with one of our WWU on the Peninsulas admissions counselors.