School Age Basics
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Still have questions? Contact us at training@schoolsoutwashington.org
School Age Basics
The School Age Basics course is a training requirement for anyone working with school-age children, ages 5-12 years old, in licensed programs. The course fulfills the Pre-Service Requirements set by Washington state and the Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF) for professionals in licensed school age programs. School Age Basics ensures participants gain the essential knowledge and qualifications needed to support school-age children effectively.
School’s Out Washington (SOWA) offers this training through a cohort model using a blended learning approach. Participants must complete all course components, which include self-paced learning in the 360Learning platform with instructor validation and a live-facilitated Closing Reflection session before receiving a Certificate of Completion and STARS credit.
Completion Steps
Step 1: Register for School Age Basics
Start by registering for Online School Age Basics on our Trainings & Workshops page. You will have the opportunity to attend an OPTIONAL 45-minute live virtual kick-off, which we offer monthly to give participants a chance to virtually meet an instructor, ask questions, and prepare for the self-paced portion of the training.
View 2026-2027 Kick-Off dates here
If you can’t attend, you can jump right into the “Welcome to School Age Basics” course in 360Learning once you have access.
About access to 360Learning
You will be given access to the 360Learning platform by 5:00 PM on the Monday after you register. (For example, if you register on Tuesday, you will not receive access until the following Monday.)
You can register for a kick-off and access your coursework through the 360Learning platform once you have access. Once you complete your coursework and it is validated, you will be able to access a registration link for a mandatory closing reflection.
Step 2: Complete the Online Courses
You will have ~6 weeks after the registration period ends (find these dates on the Online School Age Basics registration page) to complete all online courses AND attend a mandatory closing reflection. All coursework must be reviewed and validated by an instructor to count toward the certificate.
If you don’t finish the full course within 6 weeks, you will be removed from 360Learning and will need to sign up for a new session. We will approve extensions on a case-by-case basis.
To request an extension, email training@schoolsoutwashington.org.
Have more questions about completing your coursework?
Visit our FAQ here
Step 3: Attend a Closing Reflection
Attending a closing reflection is mandatory for certification. Steps 1 and 2 MUST be completed before attending a closing reflection. You must register for this 1.5-hour live virtual session. Registration will be available through the 360Learning platform once you have completed the prior steps.
Virtual closing reflections are typically offered:
- 2nd Thursday of each month, 6:30 PM-8:00 PM
- 4th Saturday of each month, 10:00 AM-11:30 AM
Dates may be adjusted. View an up-to-date list of closing reflection dates here
STARS Credit and Certificate of Completion
Once all three (3) steps are successfully completed and validated by an instructor, participants will be awarded a Certificate of Completion AND have it reflected in their MERIT account by the 10th of the month following the completion of all requirements.
For support with registering for the Closing Reflection or any other course-related issues, please email training@schoolsoutwashington.org.
For additional information, please look at our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for School Age Basics and our Checklist for Online School Age Basics.