The Initial State Certificate (Early Childhood Education) is designed to meet the Washington State Career Lattice guidelines for teacher assistants in early childhood, early elementary, special education or other settings caring for and educating young children. Classes help adults increase their understanding of the physical, intellectual, emotional and social development of children and to apply developmentally appropriate guidance and curriculum methods to meet the individual and group needs of children and their families. Emphasis is placed on active student involvement, observation, participation, and practical experience. Credits earned may be pa-plied to the 20 credit Certificates of Specialization, 47 credit Early Childhood Education State Certificate and the 90 credit Early Childhood Education, AA and Early Childhood Education, AAS-T.