Degree and Course Information > Education

Education

Department Overview
By providing an introduction to teaching, as well as a variety of classroom experiences, the Education department offers students a unique perspective into various educational pathways. This blend of academic and classroom experiences from preschool to post-secondary is designed to give future educators a firm foundation to begin a career in education. Career preparation focus areas include the following: Elementary and secondary education: Courses offered within this focus meet the lower division requirements of Washington State fouryear institutions to which the student plans to transfer. Courses offered within this department meet the Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree requirements. Students are encouraged to work closely with a faculty advisor in selecting, planning and completing educational goals. It is also highly recommended that students coordinate with the institution to which they intend to transfer. Early Childhood Education: The Early Childhood Education program offers an associate degree in early childhood education and an Associate of Arts with electives in early childhood education, which is transferable to four-year state and private institutions. Graduates may transfer into a variety of disciplines including elementary education, special education, early childhood education, child psychology, speech pathology, family and consumer science education and social services. Paraeducation: This professional-technical program offers an associate degree in paraeducation, preparing students for employment as valuable members of instructional teams contributing meaningfully to learner-centered activities. Positions include education assistant, guidance specialist, instructional aide, transitional specialist, playground assistant, special education assistant, teacher aide and tutor. Coursework covers the Washington State Competencies and Skill Standards for Paraeducators.

Unique Program Text
Early childhood education program courses are listed under two different subject headings in the eSchedule. For all ECED and ECED& courses, look under early childhood education. For all EDUC and EDUC& courses, look under education.

Classes with a WAOL faculty member may have difference start and end dates. Please contact an early childhood advisor for more information and the item numbers.

Course Listing

Course Listings for Education
EDUC& 101 - Paraeducator Basics	Paraeducator Basics An introduction to roles and responsibilities of the Paraeducator in the K-12 educational system. Students will explore techniques supporting instruction, professional and ethical practices, positive and safe learning environments, effective communication and teamwork.
EDUC& 115 - Child Development	Child Development Build a functional understanding of the foundation of child development, prenatal to early adolescence. Observe and document physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of children, reflective of cross cultural and global perspectives.
EDUC& 130 - Guiding Behavior	Guiding Behavior (formerly ECE 112) Examine the principles and theories promoting social competence in young children and creating safe learning environments. Develop skills promoting effective interactions, providing positive individual guidance, and enhancing group experiences.
EDUC& 136 - School Age Care	School Age Care Develop skills to provide developmentally appropriate and culturally relevant activities and care, specifically: preparing the environment, implementing curriculum, building relationships, guiding academic /social skill development, and community outreach.
EDUC& 150 - Child, Family, and Community	Child, Family, and Community (formerly ECE 230) Integrate the family and community contexts in which a child develops. Explore cultures and demographics of families in society, community resources, strategies for involving families in the education of their child, and tools for effective communication.
EDUC 190 - EDUCATION PRACTICUM	EDUCATION PRACTICUM An introduction to field experience in education that includes classroom observations and seminar discussions.
EDUC& 191 - Field Experience I – Cooperative Work Experience	Field Experience I – Cooperative Work Experience In a pre-K-12 setting, work alongside a teacher/paraeducator, observing and demonstration best practices. In seminar and reflection link experiences with WA State Paraeducator Basic Competencies.
EDUC& 202 - Intro to Education (formerly EDUC 201 - CCN)	Intro to Education (formerly EDUC 201 - CCN) A survey of history, philosophy, principles, issues, and trends in American Education. Includes opportunities for observations of educational models and exploration of career paths.
EDUC& 203 - Exceptional Child	Exceptional Child (formerly ECE 212) An introductory course in understanding educational programs and state and federal laws regarding the education of children with special needs.
EDUC& 204 - Intro Inclusive Education	Intro Inclusive Education Introductory course in recognition and identification of exceptionality in children from birth through high school (21). Includes policies and regulations concerning state and federal provisions of special education and related services, as well as adaptations for serving special needs students in general education classrooms.
EDUC 223 - PRACTICUM: FOCUS ON SPECIAL EDUCATION	PRACTICUM: FOCUS ON SPECIAL EDUCATION (formerly ECED 223) Designed for students to observe and participate under qualified supervision in programs for young children throughout the community with a focus on special education.
EDUC& 240 - Diversity in Education	Diversity in Education Students will explore diversity and social justice issues influencing educational settings. Students will examine in depth the historical and current impact of children’s, teachers’, and families’ cultural, social and political context in schools.
EDUC 280 - ESL FIELD EXPERIENCE	ESL FIELD EXPERIENCE A field experience in teaching English to speakers of other languages that includes classroom observations and seminar discussions.
EDUC& 291 - Field Experience II - Cooperative Work Experience	Field Experience II - Cooperative Work Experience In pre-K-12 setting, work alongside teacher/paraeducator, observing and demonstration best practices. In seminar and reflection link experiences with WA State Paraeducator Competencies for ELL and Special Education.