Early Childhood Education A Hands-on Approach for Early Childcare Professionals The Early Childhood Education program at Lake Washington Institute of Technology offers a research-based and hands-on approach for early childhood professionals who are interested in earning an Early Childhood Education (ECE) degree or certificate. The program has operated for more than 25 years and is well known and respected in the early childhood community. Graduates of the Early Childhood Education program at LWTech will learn to develop, implement and evaluate age-appropriate programs for young children, develop skills to observe and record child growth and development, and use that information to make program decisions. Students will be able to supervise staff, plan and monitor a budget, and guide a program following both NAEYC and the Department of Early Learning Standards. The coursework allows students to complete the ECE state certificate in 4 quarters and an AAS degree in 2 years. In conjunction with the Department of Early Learning (DEL) Early Achievers program, the State of Washington stackable certificates are included in LWTech's certificate options. All coursework is designed to apply to the student's work with children. 11605 132nd Avenue NE Kirkland, WA 98034 (425) 739-8300 | advising@lwtech.edu LWTech.edu/ece Program Highlights The Early Childhood Education program at LWTech provides an avenue for those employed in child care to earn an Early Childhood certificate or AAS degree. This program features Hybrid classes (in person and online) as well as evening classes to accommodate working students. The required lab (field experience) may be completed at the student's place of licensed childcare employment or at the campus early learning center. Learning theory and current research are the foundation for all coursework. The faculty work with the students, both inside and outside the classroom setting, as mentors assisting them in their professional application of age-appropriate programming. Learn from Industry Experts Shanti Connors earned an M.A. and B.A. in Human Development, an A.S. in Human Services with a ECE option and has a Washington State K-8 Teaching Certificate. For over 25 years Shanti has worked with children and their families in a variety of programs, including Headstart, private preschool, elementary schools and cooperative preschools and parent education. She is also an approved M.E.R.I.T. trainer. Career Opportunities The program prepares students for multiple opportunities including: • Children’s teacher, age birth–12 years • Preschool teacher, half day programs • Program supervisor, child care center • Center director • Family child care provider Ninder Gill has been teaching at LWTech since Fall 2009. She has a wealth of experience and education in the Early Childhood Education field. She was a lead teacher and director at a urban center in Seattle and completed her Masters of Education at UW, Bothell. In her teaching she focuses on connecting theory with practice so that students walk away with the ability to apply what they have learned. Find out more! Shanti Connors (425) 739-8177 Shanti.connors@lwtech.edu www.LWTech.edu/ece Lake Washington Institute of Technology values equality of opportunity, human dignity, racial, cultural and ethnic diversity both as an educational institution and as an employer. The institute provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, genetic information, or veteran status. The institute complies with applicable laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment in employment, educational programs and admission. Inquiries regarding compliance procedures and complaints may be directed to Melissa Lamy, Executive Director, Human Resources, Affirmative Action Officer/Title IX Coordinator,11605 132nd Ave. NE, Kirkland, WA 98034, (425) 739-8212 or (425) 739-8122 (TDD). 03/15