Early childhood education has proven benefits for our kids. Engaging young, budding minds requires skilled teachers with a solid background and up-to-date knowledge of research, teaching styles and how little ones learn. At South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC), their Early Childhood Education program trains teachers to address the needs of kids from birth through age eight. Thanks to an Early Achievers Grant, this education is even easier for those enrolled. They’re building a strong, healthy future for us all one child at a time.
SPSCC’s Early Childhood Education Program Blends Theory with Real-World Experience
The National Education Association says that children who receive early childhood education are less likely to repeat a grade or be identified as having special needs, are better prepared academically and more likely to graduate high school and earn more in the adult workforce.
SPSCC Professor and program lead Chris Moon agrees. “Current research is clear that the first five years of life are the most critical time for human growth and brain development,” says Moon. “Supporting children to thrive during this crucial time has benefits not only for the individual children and families, but also for our society as a whole. We know that high quality childcare makes a tremendous impact on the lives of children and families. One of the best ways to support that important goal of high-quality care is to support our workforce of Early Childhood Educators to be highly qualified and educated in their field.”
At SPSCC, their program includes a strong foundation of growth and development learning, says Moon. “We support teachers of young children to develop and maintain an intentional and reflective practice,” she continues. “Students learn to partner closely with families and recognize them as the first and most effective teachers in children’s lives. We also offer high-quality practicum experiences that place students with highly qualified teachers working in the field. This helps students learn to create well-rounded experiences for young children with a focus on language and literacy, quality environments, trauma-informed care, STEAM and inclusive early childhood practices.”
Early Achievers Grant Makes Education Achievable for SPSCC Students
Within the program, SPSCC students can apply for the Early Achievers Grant. Moon says that the grant is a state supported financial aid program made available through Washington’s Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). The Early Achievers grant provides funding for tuition, books, and student support services to help childcare providers earn stackable certificates leading to an associate degree in early childhood education. The grant is offered via more than two dozen schools statewide to fill a very real need in a rapidly growing industry.
Students can stay enrolled in the grant as long as they meet its requirements and even return to it if a leave of absence is required. Over the past twelve years, this grant has made life easier for many future teachers and childcare workers in our region.
Students interested in pursuing the grant will meet with SPSCC’s dedicated point person who supports the application process, enrollment, registration, placement testing, financial aid, advising, book procurement and additional campus resources as needed. “We ensure that we can meet student needs by maintaining a flexible schedule in order to connect with students when it works best for their schedule,” says Moon, “including evening and weekend hours, as well as on-campus or online meetings. This individual student support doesn’t stop once students are enrolled but is ongoing throughout the entire time students are part of the grant.”
Working with Students to Achieve Their Teaching Goals
Program staff also partner with local agencies and organizations to ensure a strong, successful future for their grads and bring in potential new students, whether or not they access grant funding. SPSCC works closely with partners in our area like the Childcare Action Council and Head Start/ECEAP to reach out and inform them of opportunities.
“Additionally, we have information sessions either on campus or online every quarter as a part of SPSCC’s Pathways Day,” says Moon. “The Early Childhood Education program at SPSCC is not only for EA grant students. We also serve preservice teachers and running start students who are considering a career in Early Childhood Education, students who plan to go into the K-12 system as para-educators or who will continue on to become certified teachers, as well as students from other disciplines such as nursing, dental or psychology who may work with children in their careers and who are interested in child development and learning.”
Read more about SPSCC’s early childhood education certificate and degree options then request program info online or by calling 360.596.5378. For details about the Early Achievers Grant, email Kerry Salazar at ksalazar@spscc.edu and she’ll provide eligibility requirements and answer any questions. Then get started teaching tomorrow’s leaders today.
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