State Short Certificate of Specialization – Outdoor Environments

The State Short Early Childhood Education Certificate of Specialization- Outdoor Environments is designed to meet the Washington State stackable certificates for people interested in caring for and educating young children from birth to age 8 in various childcare settings. Emphasis is placed on active student involvement, observation, participation, and practical experience. Classes help adults increase their understanding of children’s physical, intellectual, emotional, and social development and apply developmentally appropriate guidance and curriculum methods to meet the individual and group needs of children in an outdoor setting. This certificate meets state licensing requirements and processes to expand access to safe, high-quality childcare and education outdoors while eliminating racial disproportionalities.

Learning Outcomes

Certificate recipients should possess the skills & abilities described below:

• Explain current theories and ongoing research in early care and education as they apply to children, families, and early childhood programs 
• Describe how children learn and develop through play and the role of play in early childhood programs 
• Develop an awareness of early childhood environments based on best practices in early childhood education 
• Observe, analyze, and compare early childhood program models 
• Explain the importance of building a partnership with children’s families and describe how early childhood programs can work effectively with families from a variety of cultural, linguistic, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. 
•  Identify developmentally appropriate problem-solving alternatives for guidance and discipline techniques used in family and classroom settings 
• Describe the observation, assessment, and teaching cycle and apply this model when planning curriculum and activities for young children 
• Describe the professional code of ethics for early care and education and demonstrate how the code can be applied to ethical dilemmas 
• Describe the major historical figures and events in early childhood education and their impact on current issues and trends as well as advocacy 

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.