Alternative credentials may count toward education requirements for some jobs. These may include degrees, certificates, or other approved credentials that are considered equal to the requirement outlined in WAC 110-425-0090.
- Alternative credentials must be verified and added to the MERIT Workforce Registry.
- Instructions for submitting education and credentials are available on the MERIT Workforce Registry webpage.
This option includes:
ECE-related degrees can include degrees, certificates, or other credentials that meet the requirements listed in WAC 110-300-0100.
A related degree may be:
- An associate degree
- A bachelor's degree
- An advanced degree
The degree must either:
- Be a DCYF recognized related degree; or
- Include at least 30 college credits in Early Childhood (ECE) or related coursework.
All degrees must come from a school accredited by a regional accrediting organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Elementary Education Degree
Must include:
- One course covering ECE curriculum
- One course in guidance/behavior or an ECE practicum
Human Development, Child Development, Child and Family Studies, and Children’s Studies Degree
Must include:
- One course in ECE curriculum
- One course in guidance/behavior or an ECE practicum
These credits must cover several WA ECE Core Competency areas, including:
- Child Growth and Development
- Curriculum and Learning Environment
- Observation, Assessment, and Documentation
- Families and Community Partnerships
- Health, Safety, and Nutrition
- Interactions
- Program Planning and Development
- Professional Development and Leadership
For examples of courses that may meet these areas, see the Evaluating Coursework for Staff Qualifications guide.
Aligned credits are college credits that provide knowledge and skills similar to Washington State ECE Stackable Certificates.
To count as aligned as aligned credits, your completed coursework must be verified and recorded in MERIT.
For examples of courses that may meet each Core Competency area, please see the Evaluating Coursework for Staff Qualifications guide.
Requires 12 college quarter credits:
- 5 credits in Curriculum and Learning, Family/Community, or Interactions
- 3 credits in Health, Safety, and Nutrition
- 4 credits in any ECE Competency area
Requires 20 college quarter credits:
- 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
Requires 45 college quarter credits:
- 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 accepts several certificates and credentials that provide knowledge and skills to the WA State ECE Stackable Certificates.
Information about which certificates and credentials meet requirements for specific job roles is available in the Equivalent Options for Education guide.
