Alternative credentials may be recognized to meet job role education. These can be degrees, certificates, and other credentials that are considered the “equivalent” to the requirement outlined in WAC 110-425-0090.
- All alternative credentials must be verified and recorded in the MERIT Workforce Registry.
- Instructions for submitting education and alternative credentials can be found on the MERIT Workforce Registry webpage.
This option includes:
These can be degrees, certificates, or other credentials that meet the “equivalent” of the requirement outlined in WAC 110-300-0100. A related degree may be an associate, bachelor's degree, or advanced degree that is:
- A DCYF recognized related degree
OR - A degree or a combination of a degree and a minimum of 30 college credits in Early Childhood (ECE) or related coursework.
All degrees must be from a regionally accredited institution, recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- Elementary Education major that includes:
- One course covering ECE curriculum
- One class covering guidance/behavior or a practicum class in ECE
- Human Development, Child Development, Child and Family Studies, and Children’s Studies major that includes:
- One course covering ECE curriculum
- One class covering guidance/behavior or a practicum class in ECE
Credits need to reflect several of the following WA ECE Core Competency areas:
- Child Growth and Development
- Curriculum and Learning Environment
- Ongoing Measure of Child Progress (Observation, Assessment, and Documentation)
- Families and Community Partnerships
- Health, Safety, and Nutrition
- Interactions
- Program Planning and Development
- Professional Development and Leadership (Professionalism)
For an example list of courses that may meet each Core Competency area, please see the Evaluating Coursework for Staff Qualifications guide.
Aligned credits are a collection of college credits that provide similar knowledge and skill as one of the Washington State ECE Stackable Certificates. To determine if your completed credits are aligned to a Washington State ECE Stackable certificate, they must be verified and recorded in MERIT, the Workforce Registry.
For an example list of courses that may meet each Core Competency area, please see the Evaluating Coursework for Staff Qualifications guide.
12 college quarter credits that meet the following:
- 5 credits in Curriculum and Learning, Family/Community, or Interactions
- 3 credits in Health, Safety, and Nutrition
- 4 credits in any ECE Competency area
20 college quarter credits that meet the following:
- 5 credits in Curriculum and Learning, Family/Community, or Interactions
- 3 credits in Health, Safety, and Nutrition
- 5 credits in Child Development
- 7 credits in any ECE Competency area
45 college quarter credits that meet the following:
- 10 credits in Child Development, Curriculum and Learning, or Interactions
- 5 credits in Health, Safety, and Nutrition
- 5 credits in Ongoing Measure of Child Progress
- 5 credits Program Planning and Development or Professional Development and Leadership
- 2 credits Family and Community Partnerships
- 18 credits in any ECE Competency area
DCYF recognizes various certificates and credentials that provide similar knowledge and skill as one of the WA State ECE Stackable Certificates. Information on what certificates and credentials meet the education requirement for your role is available in the Equivalent Options for Education guide.
