Prepares students for careers in the Early Care & Education field as child care directors, teachers, leads, and assistant child care providers. To obtain the degree, a student must complete the required courses and elective credits. Students participate in practicum experiences at the Hayes Child Development Center on the Lakewood Campus or in an approved local early learning program. Students will complete four practicum experiences. The fourth practicum will be in an area of the student’s choice: Leadership in ECE; Child Development – Infant/Toddler; Child Development – School Age; Family Childcare Professional; or Special Needs. Degree candidates may petition for credits based on possession of a current CDA credential. Students are required to develop a program portfolio to be completed and presented prior to graduation. All courses must be completed with a minimum of a “C” grade to graduate. The Foundation Certificate and Washington State ECE Stackable Certificate are embedded in the degree program, so students may earn stepping-stone credentials on their way to completing an associate degree.