The demand for childhood educators is increasing, said the head of Highline’s Early Childhood Education program.

“With this degree there’s kind of a wide range of things that people could do,” said Jodi White, head of the program.

The job market is not only in need but also really broad which means there is a lot of flexibility there too, she said.

“People can do anything from working in a classroom with young children to administering a program, running a child care early learning program, or even working for the state in regulatory fields,” she said. “So there’s a broad range. But generally, you can have a job that resides in a local area or even a federal government-funded program.”

Like a lot of programs at Highline, Early Childhood enrollment has been impacted by the pandemic. 

“Currently we have around 40 students in the program, which is lower than we thought we’d ever have,” White said. 

To enter the program, you will need an AA or AAS degree (or be within 30 credits). You need to also have a GPA of at least 2.5 or higher and to have taken the five courses listed on their websites which are EDUC& 115, 130, 204, 240 and ECED& 160.

Once you have been accepted into the program the annual cost is less than $8,000, and if you’re currently employed at an Early Achievers program you could even qualify for a grant through the non-profit Child Care Aware of Washington program.

White said that “I recommend anyone who wants to work has a passion for working with young children and families” should consider the program. 

She also said she always likes to meet the students before accepting them into the program.

“When meeting with me we can talk about whether we can create a program that works for you if people don’t meet the requirements that are published on the website right now or if they’re not sure they should just meet with me first and then we can talk about how to approach that. 

It’s also very flexible, White said. 

“Most of the people here in our program are working but if you’re not you’re welcome as well,” she said. “It’s just that the program is built for those who are already working since most of our classes are at night or on the weekends and predominantly virtual and online.”

White said that students in the program generally enjoy what they’re doing. 

“I think everybody feels great,” she said. “I think it’s a meaningful thing working with kids and families. I believe most people in the program are currently working and I think that this program enriches their work that they’re already doing.”

Candi Hile is a current student in the program. She said her studies have helped her in many ways.

“This course did give me the confidence to do more advanced work in the subject,” she said. “It gave me a starting point to research projects, concepts, and strategies.”

She also said that what she is being taught is important

“In the realm of Early Childhood Education this program is very important especially from birth to ages 8 and sometimes beyond,” Hile said. 

“It teaches the growth and development of the young child and how to develop regulated people for the future,” she said. “The fundamentals of early education that are being taught in this program are important to teach early educators not only the importance of their roles in supporting the development of young minds and the social/emotional knowledge and well-being of the children in a classroom setting, but how to help support families and communities.”

Hile said she highly recommends this program to other students because overall the program did meet her expectations and helped her prepare for her career.

For more information visit https://education.highline.edu/programs/bas-early-learning/ or email Jodi White at jwhite@highline.edu.