About the Education Program
Education is the continuous process of acquiring knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes. It encompasses both the deliberate act of teaching and the lifelong process of learning, helping individuals develop critical thinking, judgment, and character.
In Washington State, elementary school is the foundational stage of public education, typically encompassing Kindergarten through 5th grade (ages 5–11), though some districts may include 6th grade. It focuses on core academic skills and holistic child development, with many schools receiving national recognition for high academic standards.
Unlike middle or high school, elementary school in Washington emphasizes "whole-child development," integrating social-emotional learning standards alongside academics.
Find transfer resources
See bottom of page for Career Outlook
Program Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this program will be able to:
- Use developmental milestones and observations of children’s behavior as a foundation for planning appropriate activities.
- Advocate for strategies that promote the cultural diversity of children, families and their communities.
- Demonstrate effective written, verbal and non-verbal communication
- Discuss current issues and trends in early childhood education.
- Identify typical and atypical growth and development (cognitive, linguistic, motor, and social).
- Positively support children’s whole development.
- Display a positive attitude and enthusiasm for the job
- Develop rapport and contribute to the work environment as a member of the instructional team.
- Practice ethical and professional standards of conduct
- Comply with laws (such as IDEA, Section 504, ADA), workplace policies, and procedures in relation to confidentiality, reporting of abuse, discipline, chain of command and delegation and supervision.
- Use reinforcement, motivation and data collection to facilitate positive behavioral support and assist in instruction and learning.
- Demonstrate performance indicators associated with the Core Competencies for Paraeducators in Washington State.
College Wide Learning Outcomes
Contact Us
Michaela Chang
Transfer Educational Planner
Michaela.Chang@greenriver.edu
Leslie Kessler
Faculty
lkessler@greenriver.edu
Andee Church
Faculty & Early Achievers Grant Point of Contact
achurch@greenriver.edu
Roberta Kim
Faculty
rkim@greenriver.edu
Have Questions About Registration?
- Welcome Desk: 253-333-6000, welcomedesk@greenriver.edu
- Office of the Registrar: 253-288-3383, otr@greenriver.edu
Cost of Attending
Associate in Arts-DTA with Emphasis in Elementary Education
If teaching K-8 is your goal, you can get started here. Our education courses are
accepted at most universities with Elementary Education bachelor’s degrees.
Length of Program: 90 credits, 6 quarter, 2 years
Location: Main
Modes of Instruction: In-person, hybrid, online
Early Childhood Education Paraeducator, AAS-T
Our paraeducator program prepares students for careers working alongside teachers
in preschool through Grade 8 classrooms. Graduates of the paraeducator program are
well prepared to support the learning of the diverse student population in inclusive
educational settings. It includes college-level general Education courses, enabling
the student to transfer to a select number of baccalaureate institutions for elementary
education.
Length of Program: 90 credits, 6 quarters, 2 years
Location: Main
Modes of Instruction: In-person, hybrid, online
Career Outlook
Elementary educators in Washington state face a highly localized job market with steady annual openings but tough competition in highly desired urban and suburban hubs.
While the general elementary market is competitive, significant opportunities remain. Washington consistently faces state-identified Educator Shortage gaps across several critical endorsement areas.
Elementary educators are highly sought after if they possess endorsements in:
- Special Education (SPED)
- Bilingual/English Language Learner (ELL)
- Early Childhood Education
- STEM-focused subjects