Early Childhood Education Certificate
Online Graduate Certificate Program

• Students pursuing a career in early childhood education should know that the EWU MEd and Professional Certificate in Early Childhood Education do not lead to an initial P‐3 teaching certificate.

• To work at public‐funded preschools/daycares in Washington State, teachers are required to possess a teaching certificate for P‐3. Students who have completed the EWU online M.Ed. ECE program but lack the initial teaching certificate must fulfill the requirement by completing a comprehensive teacher preparation program before becoming eligible for recommendation. EWU highly recommends that these students consider joining our BAE ECE teacher preparation program as post‐bac students. This program offers a place‐based option, allowing students to receive training and education without the need to visit the campus. It effectively supports full‐time working professionals in their pursuit of credentials ‐ moreover, many courses in the BAE program are equivalent to those completed in EWU ECE M.Ed. program, resulting in a reduced coursework load compared to a typical BAE program.

• Students who do not hold an initial P‐3 teaching certificate may be eligible for employment in privately‐funded preschools/daycares in Washington State – however we always encourage students to check with the pre‐school/daycare first.