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Early Care & Education

Why Choose the Early Care & Education Program?


The early care and educational experiences of a child can have a lifelong impact, promoting developmental growth and learning outcomes that prepare them for formal school and individual well-being. Our Early Care & Education program offers students the chance to truly make a positive difference in the lives of children.

Our courses provide the necessary knowledge about children, family partnerships and ethical standards to prepare students for the hands-on experience they receive during their practicums either on campus at the Hayes Child Development Center or in an approved local child care center.

If you want to make a difference in the life of a child, our Early Care & Education program can prepare you for a career in the early childhood development field as a child care director, teacher or child care provider.

Program Info


Employers in this field are looking for professional people who are knowledgeable about children, family partnerships and learning standards. 

How Long It Takes

Early Care & Education AAT or AAS-T Degree: 6 quarters

Early Childhood Leadership Certificate: 2-4 quarters

State Initial Early Childhood Education Certificate (Step 1): 1 quarter

Short ECE Certificate of Specialization (Step 2): 1 quarter

Special Needs Certificate: 4 quarters

Washington State ECE Stackable Certificate: 4-6 quarters

All program lengths are estimates and are not guarantees.

Program Documents

This link provides access to items like program supply lists and fees, program maps to help you plan your entire time at CPTC, and more.

See all available Program Documents.

Your Questions, Answered!

Clover Park faculty and staff are available to introduce you to the college and all the programs we offer. 

Info Sessions

Information sessions that can introduce you to programs and help you get started at CPTC are offered regularly when classes are in session. To learn more about the types of sessions and see when the next sessions are scheduled, visit cptc.edu/info-sessions.

Contact Faculty Directly

Faculty welcome you to contact them with your questions.

Potential Careers

Attend to children at schools, businesses, private households, and childcare institutions. Perform a variety of tasks, such as dressing, feeding, bathing, and overseeing play.

Get Started

  1. Talk with Entry Services in the Welcome Center to APPLY TO CPTC.
  2. Understand program costs, Tuition, and Fees
  3. Find Ways to Pay for CPTC.
  4. Search for and enroll in classes in ctcLink by visiting www.cptc.edu/MyCC.

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