The State Short Certificate of Specialization -  School Age Care is designed to meet the Washington State licensing requirements for people interested in working as aides/teachers with children between the ages of 5-12 in a variety of settings. Credits for all courses, with the exception of EDUC 136 , can be applied to the 47 credit State Early Childhood Education Certificate of Achievement  and the 90 credit Early Childhood Education, AAS  and Early Childhood Education, AAS-T   Degree.

Learning Outcomes

Certificate recipients should possess the skills & abilities described below:

• Observe, document and assess young children and use systematic observations, documentation, and other effective assessment strategies in a responsible way, in partnership with families and other professionals, to positively influence children’s development.
• Connect with children and families by knowing, understanding, and using positive relationships and supportive interactions as the foundation for their work with young children.
• Identify, explain, and apply appropriate guidance techniques and theories as an important classroom management tool.
• Identify, explain, and apply nutrition, health and safety practices and procedures appropriate for use when teaching young children.
• Identify, explain, and apply effective developmentally appropriate and culturally relevant activities/care for children ages 5-12 years in a variety of settings.
• Be engaged as members of the Early Childhood profession and use ethical guidelines and other professional standards related to early childhood practice.

Certificate Requirement

All ECED or EDUC coursework required for any ELTE Certificate or Degree must be completed with a minimum grade of “C” (2.0) or better.