Alternative Credentials (College Credit Bearing)

These can be degrees, certificates, and other credentials that meet the “equivalent” of the requirement named in WAC 110-300-0100.

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 or a combination of a degree with an assortment of reported credits with a minimum of 30 college credits in 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

These 30 credits must align with the following 8 WA State 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.

A micro-credential is a pathway for meeting one’s licensing job role education that acknowledges on-the-job-learning and professional experience. Learners can earn a micro-credential by completing small learning units that build on top of each other. These include bite-sized activities, assessments, and projects targeted to support and strengthen specific competency areas. Learn more about Washington’s Core Competencies for Early Care and Education Professionals.

Example:  A provider with a bachelor’s degree in anthropology may complete a series of micro-credentials in early childhood education to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in this area.

The micro-credential pathway pilot began in Fall 2022. Once complete, this pathway will be available to anyone with a completed non-ECE degree recorded in MERIT.

To learn more about micro-credentials, use this resource as you follow the steps below:

Step 1: Ensure that you have active employment in an eligible role recorded in MERIT.
  • For step-by-step instructions on how to add or update your employment information in MERIT, please visit the MERIT Workforce Registry.
Step 2: Update the Job Role Education status bar on your MERIT dashboard to “I already have a degree that is not ECE.”
  • Your dashboard is the landing page you come to after signing into your MERIT account.
  • Click on the individual status bars on your dashboard to view more details and make selections.

You do not need to complete any other steps or education at this time. DCYF will reach out to you when micro-credentials are available statewide.

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:

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: