These can be degrees, certificates, and other credentials that meet the “equivalent” of the requirement named in WAC 110-300-0100.
- Steps on how to submit education are on the MERIT Support webpage.
- Alternative credentials must be verified and recorded in the MERIT Workforce Registry.
This option includes:
These can be degrees, certificates and other credentials that meet the “equivalent” of the requirement named in WAC 110-300-0100. A related degree can be an associate, bachelors or advanced degree that is:
- A DCYF recognized related degree
OR - A degree that includes a minimum of 30 college credits in ECE or related coursework. These credits must have been earned as part of a completed degree.
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
These 30 credits must include at least two credits in each 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 Early Childhood Coursework guide.
Aligned credits are a collection of college credits that provide similar knowledge and skill as one of the WA State ECE Stackable Certificates. To determine if your completed credits are aligned to a WA 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 Early Childhood Coursework guide. English and Math are not required.
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.
Program Review for Staff Qualifications
Many degrees, certificates and credentials may already meet licensing staff qualifications through one of the alternative credential options listed above. If your verified degree, certificate or credential is not already a DCYF recognized alternative credential, your awarding education institution can submit an application to DCYF to be reviewed as a possible equivalent.
Only programs that meet the following are eligible to apply:
- Course content must have hours and content that are equivalent to the WA State ECE Stackable certificates.
- Course content aligns with the WA State Core Competencies for Early Care and Education Professionals.
- Meets DCYF accreditation requirements:
- Higher education institutions regionally accredited and recognized by the US Department of Education
- Certificate or credential programs accredited through nationally recognized accrediting bodies (Example: MACTE accreditation for Montessori; WECAN for Waldorf).
If you would like to have your degree, certificate or credential recognized by DCYF as meeting education staff qualifications, the institution associated with the program will need to email at MERIT@dcyf.wa.gov.
Use the following resources when trying to determine if a degree, certificate or credential aligns with existing educational equivalent standards: