Certificate in Early Childhood Leadership

Vaughnetta J. Barton, Executive Director, Foundation for Early Learning

Agda Buchard, Executive Director, Washington Association for the Education of Young Children

Rebecca C. Cortes, Research Scientist, UW Department of Psychology

Kristi Dodds, Supervisor, Early Childhood Programs, Woodland Park Zoo

Suzanne Haggard, Director, Haggard Nelson Childcare Resources 

Michael Heinisch, Executive Director, Kent Youth and Family Services

Gail E. Joseph, Assistant Professor, UW College of Education

Lynn Lahey, Curriculum Specialist, Early Childhood Education/ECEAP - Everett SD

Liliana J Lengua, Associate Professor, UW Department of Psychology

Carol Maurer, Consultant, Early Childhood Programs

Sheri J Mizumori, Professor and Chair, Psychology, UW

Mona Murr Kunselman, Director of Program Management, UWEO

Erin Okuno, Program Manager, Foundation for Early Learning

Frank Ordway, Director of Field and Community Partnership, League of Education Voters

Anne Quinn, Program Director, Puget Sound ESD Head Start

1. Completion of at least two years of college.
2. Two years of experience in early childhood or related fields. This program may also accept a limited number of applicants seeking a new career in the field of early childhood.

English Proficiency

You should have adequate English language proficiency if you are a non-native English speaker. For details, see UW Professional & Continuing Education Policies.

International Students

Classroom-Based Courses – Visa Requirements 

You are not eligible for an F-1 visa through this program because it is not full time. If you have an F-1 visa and are currently enrolled full time or in the U.S. on another visa, you might be able to enroll in a certificate program or individual course. Check with your adviser, email aid@pce.uw.edu or see International Student Eligibility.

Online Courses – Visa Requirements 

No visas are required for certificate programs held entirely online.

Credits earned during this program will count toward a degree at the UW School of Psychology. They also may be transferred in the future toward the completion of a master’s degree in early childhood which the UW Department of Psychology is planning to develop.

We notify you of successful or unsuccessful completion when you finish a course. Your performance is evaluated based on standards established by the instructors and advisory board.

Most courses are offered in sequence once a year. You need to successfully complete a previous course before you advance to the next one. You earn a certificate by regularly attending classes and completing required courses and assignments. You will receive a certificate in the mail six to eight weeks after completing the last course.