ECE School-Age Care Certificate

Program Overview

The ECE School-Age Care Certificate program at Olympic College equips students with the knowledge and skills to work with children ages 5-12 in various settings. Through a combination of theoretical and practical experiences, students learn about child development, curriculum planning, behavior management, and family support. Upon completion, graduates are prepared for roles such as school-age care providers and after-school program directors, and are placed on Level 5 of the Washington State Department of Early Learning Career Lattice.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: The ECE School-Age Care Certificate program at Olympic College prepares students to work with children ages 5-12 in various settings, including family child care homes, community-based organizations, public schools, and faith-based programs.
Upon completing the program, students will have the knowledge and skills to support the development of school-aged children and meet their unique needs.
• Objectives: The program's objectives align with the Washington State Department of Early Learning Career Lattice and equip students to:
• Implement appropriate health, safety, and nutrition practices in programs serving children aged 5-12.
• Identify and meet individual child needs.
• Plan and deliver age-appropriate curriculum for school-age children.
• Demonstrate family support and build relationships with families.
• Recognize and value the culture and needs of families, children, and staff in all program aspects.
• Program Description: The program comprises a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience to prepare students for success in this field.
Students will gain an understanding of child development, curriculum planning, behavior management, and effective communication strategies. They will also have the opportunity to apply their skills through hands-on practicum experiences in real-world settings.

Outline:

• Required Courses (20 credits):
• ECED& 105 - Introduction to Early Childhood Education (5 credits)
• ECED& 107 - Health/Safety/Nutrition (5 credits)
• ECED& 120 - Practicum-Nurturing Relationships (2 credits)
• EDUC& 115 - Child Development (5 credits)

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Graduates of the ECE School-Age Care Certificate program are prepared for roles such as:
• School-age care providers
• After-school program directors
• Summer camp counselors
• Opportunities: The program opens doors to opportunities in various settings, including:
• Community-based organizations
• Public schools
• Faith-based programs
• Family child care homes
• Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the program, students will be placed on Level 5 of the Washington State Department of Early Learning Career Lattice, demonstrating their proficiency in providing quality care for school-age children.