A student working in the early learning center

Education

A.A.

A.A.S.

Certificate

TCC’s Education programs prepare students to become successful educators working with young children to meet their individual needs.

Apply Now

This degree helps students begin a career path in elementary education and prepares them for successful transfer into four-year schools.

Length

2 Years*

90 Credits

Costs

Typically $1,590.70*

Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid

Academic Info

Core Requirements

Program Map

Transfer Information

The Elementary Education Specialization prepares students for successful transfer at the junior level in Elementary Education at college and universities, especially at our primary transfer institutions: Central Washington University, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, Eastern Washington University, and Western Governors University.

*Average length to complete and cost to attend is based on a full-time student who is a Washington state resident. The cost displayed refers to quarterly tuition for such a student. Individual program costs and fees may vary.
This program is for people wanting to work with young children (birth through 8 years old), including children who are culturally, linguistically, and ability diverse. Students will develop the skills needed to pursue employment opportunities in preschools, childcare centers, family childcare, HeadStart/ECEAP programs, kindergarten through third grade classrooms as a teacher assistant, and/or other early learning programs. The program fulfills Washington State childcare licensing guidelines and requirements.

Length

2.25 Years*

102-105 Credits

Costs

Typically $1,590.70*

Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid

Academic Info

Core Requirements

Program Map

Certificates Add Up to a Degree

This degree builds on the Initial Certificate, the Short Certificate of Specialization, and the Children with Exceptionalities Certificate to form the Associate of Applied Science Degree.

Grants

Grants are available for interested students with the Early Achievers Opportunity Grant through Workforce Education.

*Average length to complete and cost to attend is based on a full-time student who is a Washington state resident. The cost displayed refers to quarterly tuition for such a student. Individual program costs and fees may vary.
This is an academic program designed to develop the skills needed to be a successful early childhood professional and is directed toward students planning to work with children, birth through eight years old, including those who are culturally, linguistically, and ability diverse. Employment opportunities are in a variety of settings, including: preschools, childcare centers, early intervention programs (as a teacher assistant), and/ or other early learning programs.

Length

1.25 Years*

55 Credits

Costs

Typically $1,590.70*

Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid

Academic Info

Core Requirements

Program Map

How our Certificates Stack

TCC’s Early Childhood Education: Emphasis on Children with Exceptionalities Certificate is the third in the series of stackable certificates. This certificate builds on the Initial Certificate and the Short Certificate of Specialization, and is a pathway to the Associate of Applied Science Degree.

Grants

Grants are available for interested students with the Early Achievers Opportunity Grant through Workforce Education.

*Average length to complete and cost to attend is based on a full-time student who is a Washington state resident. The cost displayed refers to quarterly tuition for such a student. Individual program costs and fees may vary.
The certificate is directed toward students working or planning to work with children birth through eight years old.

Length

6 Months*

20 Credits

Costs

Typically $1,590.70*

Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid

Academic Info

Core Requirements

Program Map

How our Certificates Stack

The Early Childhood Education Short Certificate of Specialization is the second certificate in the series of stackable certificates. This certificate builds on the Initial Certificate and is a pathway to the Children with Exceptionalities Certificate, and the Associate of Applied Science Degree.

Grants

Grants are available for interested students with the Early Achievers Opportunity Grant through Workforce Education.

*Average length to complete and cost to attend is based on a full-time student who is a Washington state resident. The cost displayed refers to quarterly tuition for such a student. Individual program costs and fees may vary.
The certificate is directed toward students working or planning to work with children birth through eight years old.

Length

3 Months*

12 Credits

Costs

Typically $1,590.70*

Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid

Academic Info

Core Requirements

Program Map

How our Certificates Stack

The Early Childhood Education Initial Certificate is the first certificate in the series of stackable certificates. This certificate is a pathway to the Short Certificate of Specialization, the Children with Exceptionalities Certificate, and the Associate of Applied Science Degree.

Grants

Grants are available for interested students with the Early Achievers Opportunity Grant through Workforce Education.

*Average length to complete and cost to attend is based on a full-time student who is a Washington state resident. The cost displayed refers to quarterly tuition for such a student. Individual program costs and fees may vary.

This program will prepare graduates to transfer to the four-year institution of their choice, or begin a rewarding career in education.

Top Transfer Options

CentrAL WASHINGTON university

University of puget sound

western Governors university

PACIFIC LUTHERAN UNIVERSITY

The Industries

Elementary Education
Preschool
Childcare centers

Family childcare
Head Start/ECEAP programs
Private schools

The Careers

Elementary Educator

Teach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level.

Preschool Teacher

Instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.

Special Education Teacher

Teach academic, social, and life skills to students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities.

Teaching Assistant

Assist a preschool or elementary school teacher with instructional duties.

Career Explorer

From Our Students

I think it's super important that we make sure that children have positive experiences when they are young, because those experiences are what create the foundation for their learning later on in life.”

Rae White
Early Childhood Education Graduate

Students in graduation regalia walk across the Japanese bridge on campus

Tuition & Payment

TCC is typically 1/3 the cost of a state university. Find out about how much college costs so you can plan for your finances.

Financial Aid

Nearly 60 percent of all TCC students receive some kind of financial aid to help pay for school. We can help you make an investment in your education.

Ways to Pay

There are resources to help you pay for college, including scholarships, grants, workforce education funding, student emergency funds, and much more.

Veterans Benefits

Service members, military veterans, and their families have unique needs when it comes to furthering their educational goals.

Academic Advising

Connect with your advisor to stay on track and make informed decisions about your future.

Student Learning Centers

Take charge of your education with our Student Learning Centers, offering support to help develop skills and excel in your classes.

Library

The Library is the campus hub for information and research resources.

Access Services

Providing accommodations and support for students with disabilities.

Counseling

TCC Counseling provides free and confidential help to all students.

Food Pantry

The Titan Food Pantry is open to all students, providing food to get you through the day.

Free Bus Pass

All students are eligible for a free ORCA card for transportation through Pierce Transit.

Childcare

The Early Learning Center is a safe, enriching place for children age 12 month to 8 years to learn and grow while you pursue your educational goals.

Career Center

Visit the Career Center to receive career coaching, resume building assistance, and get connected with employers in our area.

Career Explorer

Use the Career Explorer to find out more about future employment opportunities in the area and what each position entails.

Career Assessment

Use the Career Assessment to help you identify what jobs might be a good fit for you, and the programs at TCC that can help you get started.

Student Employment

Explore options for work while you're a student, including work-study positions, internships, and part-time opportunities.

All Student Support

About

Degrees & Certificates

Associate of Arts — Specialization in Elementary Education

Associate of Applied Science — Early Childhood Education: Emphasis on Children with Exceptionalities

Early Childhood Education: Children with Exceptionalities Certificate

Early Childhood Education: Short Certificate

Early Childhood Education: Initial Certificate

Have Any Questions?

The Opportunities Add Up

Top Transfer Options

The Industries

The Careers

From Our Students

Support for Success & Well-Being

Related Programs