Education and Equivalents

Education Requirement in WAC

If you work in a licensed or certified child care program, you must meet requirements for your job role. These requirements are set in state rule (WAC 110-300-0100) and depend on the type of child care setting where you work. 

To find out what education is needed for your role, review the General Staff Qualifications guide. You can review it online or print a copy.

Early Childhood Education Stackable Certificates

One way to meet education requirements is through Washington State Early Childhood Education (ECE) Stackable Certificates. 

These certificates: 

  • Build on each other step by step
  • Can lead to an associate degree in ECE and beyond.
  • Are offered by community and technical colleges across Washington
  • Are available in-person and online.

To learn more, review the Stackables Certificates guide.

VISIT THE CAREER PLANNING PORTAL FOR MORE INFORMATION

Equivalents

Equivalent options allow you to meet education requirements in a different way than traditional college coursework. 

To learn more, review: 

Training: PACE - Provider Access to a Community Equivalent

PACE is a community-based training series. It helps certain child care professionals meet education requirements for licensing or certification.

PACE is available to:

  • Family Home Licensees
  • Center or Family Home Lead Teachers
  • Center or Family Home Assistant Teachers 

PACE provides training that is considered equivalent to the Washington State Initial and Short Certificate.

For more details, see the PACE Program Overview.

PACE Training Chart

This charts illustrates the PACE professional learning pathway diagram showing sequential training modules. For a full description, see the PDFs.

PACE Pathway

PACE includes the following steps: 

Required Foundations

  • Child Care Basics
  • Enhancing the Quality of Early Learning (EQEL)
    • Part 1 - Responsive Caregiving and Brain Building
    • Part 2 - Engaging Interactions & Environments, and Positive Behavior Supports

PACE Core Modules

  • PACE 1 - The Field of Early Care and Education (ECE)
    • Reflective Teaching
    • ECE Then & Now
    • The Early Learning Profession
  • PACE 2 - Supporting Child Development and Wellness
    • Child Development
    • Children and Families
    • Child Wellness
  • PACE 3 - Guiding Behavior
    • Approaches to Behavior Guidance
    • Guiding Children's Behavior
    • Highly Individualized Behavior Guidance
  • PACE 4 - Coming Soon

On the Job Learning

  • Putting into Practice
  • Work Hours

For full details, review: 

How to Enroll in and Complete PACE

PACE training is completed through state-approved trainers. You must first find the correct PACE training in MERIT and then register with the training provider.

Step 1: Log in to MERIT

Step 2: Find PACE Training

  • Select the Find Training tab
  • In the Training Title search box, type PACE
  • Review the list of available PACE trainings

Step 3: Select the Correct PACE Course

  • Make sure the training title matches the PACE module you need (for example: PACE 1, PACE 2, or PACE 3)

Step 4: Access the Training Provider

  • Click on the training to open the details
  • Use the contractor’s sign-in or registration link provided in the training description
  • Follow the provider’s instructions to register and attend the training

Step 5: Complete the Training

  • Attend all required sessions
  • Complete any required assignments or participation activities
  • The training provider will report your completion to MERIT

Step 6: Confirm Completion in MERIT

  • Log back into MERIT
  • Check your Training History to confirm the PACE module appears as completed

Helpful Reminders

  • PACE trainings are instructor-led, not self-paced or asynchronous
  • Some PACE trainings are offered online, and others may be offered in person
  • Availability may vary by provider and location

Experience-Based Competency (HB 1648)

House Bill 1648 extends the timeline for early learning professionals to meet staff qualifications requirements. You may be able to use your work experience instead of education if:

  • You were hired before Aug. 1, 2025; and
  • You will have 5 years of experience (cumulative or consecutive) by Aug. 1, 2030. 

This option applies to job roles requiring an Initial, Short, or State Certificate, including:  

  • Assistant Teachers
  • Lead Teachers
  • Family Home Owners
  • Center Directors
  • Assistant Directors
  • Program Supervisors
  • School-Age Program Directors
  • School-Age Site Directors

Determine Whether this Option is Right for You

If you choose to use your experience to meet education requirements, please note:

  • This will meet your licensing education requirement
  • This does not count toward education points in Early Achievers
  • This does not meet staff qualification requirements for ECEAP

To Update Your MERIT Dashboard

  1. Login to MERIT at merit.dcyf.wa.gov
  2. Click on the “Job Role Education” status bar on your MERIT dashboard
  3. Click the “Click Here” button (a popup box will appear)
  4. Use the drop-down menu to select “I want to use my experience and training”
    Note: At this time, the option will only appear if you are in a job role that previously qualified and you will have the required work experience by Aug. 1, 2026. MERIT is being updated to allow more users to select “I want to use my experience and training” to meet the HB 1648 requirements.
  5. Click “Save”
  6. Your Job Role Education status bar will now be green and display your requirement as met