When people think about early childhood education, they often picture classrooms. But the impact of early learning professionals extends far beyond that — from teaching young learners and partnering with parents to leading community initiatives and strengthening early learning systems.
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As demand for qualified early childhood educators continues to grow, meeting that need requires more than bringing new educators into the field. It means preparing them well and ensuring that high-quality preparation is accessible to those who want to serve children and families.
At the University of Washington College of Education, students in early childhood programs combine academic learning with sustained practical experiences in early learning settings. Through an integrated, community-based model, students spend two years putting research and theory into practice with young children and families. For those already working in early learning settings, the College’s online Bachelor’s degree offers a flexible pathway that allows them to complete fieldwork in their current workplace, enabling them to earn a degree while continuing to serve their communities.
Affordability matters, too. The College’s Early Learning Equity (ELE) Scholarship is available to all newly enrolled Washington state residents in its online and on-campus early childhood majors. In just three years, the Scholarship has supported more than 300 students, helping reduce a significant barrier to entering and advancing in this essential profession.
Experience in action
The impact of the program experience is reflected in the careers of graduates.
Jennifer Thao Nguyen
Certified Child Life Specialist, Seattle Children’s Hospital
Jennifer graduated from the UW College of Education in 2012 with a B.A. in Early Childhood and Family Studies
Jennifer Thao Nguyen, now a certified child life specialist at Seattle Children’s Hospital, says the skills she developed in a Head Start classroom during her practical training transferred directly to her clinical work. “I graduated from the program inspired to protect and advocate for the well-being of children,” she said. Today, she uses play-based interventions to help young patients and families build understanding and resilience during hospital stays.
Carrie-Ann Deguzman
Early Learning and Care Program Specialist, Whatcom County Health and Community Services
Carrie graduated from the UW College of Education in 2024 with an online B.A. in Early Care & Education
Graduate Carrie-Ann Deguzman, now an early learning and care program specialist with Whatcom County Health and Community Services, says the online program gave her an understanding of core early learning concepts, systems, and equitable access to care through academic research. Those perspectives now guide her work shaping community investments in families, the early learning workforce, and sustainable, high-quality programs.
If early childhood educators are essential to thriving children, families, and communities, investing in their preparation, and ensuring that preparation is within reach, is essential, too.
To learn more, visit education.uw.edu
