Becoming an Early Learning Professional Made Easy by Online Tool

The Department of Early Learning (DEL), the Center for Excellence for Careers in Education and the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) have partnered to release the Early Childhood Education Career Planning Portal.

Screen shot of Early Childhood Education Career Planning Portal.

“Professional development is a key component of enhancing early education in Washington state,” said DEL director Ross Hunter. “The launch of this portal is one way that we hope to make higher education and training accessible.”

The portal is currently live at http://ececareers.del.wa.gov/. It features early childhood career options with “day-in-the-life” descriptions and position qualifications. Users can easily 

• browse college degrees and certificates,
• connect directly with college advisors and
• begin planning careers and education goals. 

Users are also able to navigate the site independently, with an advisor or an Early Achievers coach.

One of the most innovative features of the Early Childhood Education Career Planning Portal is the advanced search function. It allows for a map-view of all educational programs throughout the state—online programs are also listed and described.

Support services are available on the portal, including, scholarship information, links to early learning partners and the professional development division at DEL.

For more information about professional development or the new portal, please contact: MERIT@del.wa.gov.