Provider Access to a Community Equivalent (PACE) is an option for some ECE roles who need an initial or short certificate (assistant teachers, lead teachers, or family home licensee.) PACE is available at no cost to providers who have chosen this community based option to meet the education requirement for their role.  Each PACE Module requires attendance and participation in live, online classes and completion of a workbook and job-embedded learning activities. 

The PACE training series includes Child Care Basics and Enhancing Quality Early Learning (EQEL) Year 1 and Year 2. Completion of these foundational trainings plus PACE Part 1 and Part 2 are equivalent to the education requirement for the initial certificate. To learn more, visit the Education and Equivalents page on the DCYF website.

PACE Part 1 is a 20-hour training series that includes Module 1: Reflective Teaching, Module 2: ECE Then & Now, and Module 3: The Early Learning Profession.  After completing Child Care Basics and EQEL Years 1 and 2, providers begin the PACE Modules and On-the-Job Learning. The PACE Part 1 Modules are completed in order, beginning with Reflective Teaching.

PACE Part 2 is an additional 20-hour training series that includes Module 1: Child Development, Module 2: Children & Families, and Module 3: Child Wellness.  Providers must complete all Modules in PACE Part 1 before beginning PACE Part 2.  Completion of PACE Part 1 and Part 2 are equivalent to the education requirement for the initial certificate.

Providers who need to meet an equivalent to the education requirement for the short certificate can continue and complete PACE Part 3 and Part 4:

PACE Part 3 is a 20-hour training series that includes Module 1: Approaches to Behavior Guidance, Module 2: Guiding Children’s Behavior, and Module 3: Highly Individualized Behavioral Guidance.  Providers must complete PACE Parts 1 and 2 before beginning PACE Part 3.  

PACE Part 4 will be offered in 2026.  Providers must complete PACE Parts 1, 2, and 3 before beginning PACE Part 4.  

Need help determining if PACE is the right fit for you? Use DCYF’s Guide to Professional Development Plans to learn more about PACE and the other options available. If you need additional assistance, you can also reach out to the MERIT Workforce Registry Support Team, merit@dcyf.wa.gov or 1-866-482-4325 option 5.

PACE Part 1, Module 1: Reflective Teaching is the first class in the PACE training series.  To receive an email when registration opens for new classes, click here and fill out CCAC’s PACE Contact List.

Before registering, please note:

  • All training prerequisites (Child Care Basics, EQEL Year 1 and Year 2) must be completed before registering for PACE.
  • This training series takes place live on Zoom (it will not be recorded.)  Attendance and active participation in all live online classes is required for class credit.
  • The PACE training series includes a written workbook and job-embedded learning activities.  All assignments must be complete for class credit.
  • After registering, watch your email for additional information.  One week before the first class, you will receive a confirmation email with further details, including the workbooks and Zoom link used in this training series.

Child Care Aware offers PACE Parts 1, 2, and 3 in English and Spanish throughout the year.  If you’ve already taken PACE classes with Child Care Action Council, we have your contact information and we will email you as soon as the next class in the PACE series becomes available!  

If you have additional questions, please contact Nancy Hobson at Nancy.Hobson@CCACWA.org or (360)786-8907 x100.  Si tiene preguntas adicionales, comuníquese con Norma Hernandez en Child Care Action Council, (360) 581-6704 o Norma.Hernandez@CCACWA.org.

Participation in live online classes requires a strong internet connection, a device that allows you to see and hear the content, and the ability to un-mute or type responses during activities and discussions.