There are several MIT programs (including Western, UW, WSU) in Washington that don't require a second bachelor's degree, which cover the grades you are looking for.

Is there any reason you specifically want to exclude grades 4 - 8? You may be able to focus on early childhood within the MIT degree.

I have about 2 years as an assistant teacher in another country with early childhood, and I guess I just know I would want to stay with the younger grades. I haven’t found a program where I could find a focus on early childhood.

I see. I think that there are master's degrees related to what you are looking for, but they won't be MIT - the teaching certification programs are probably combined to reduce overhead and administrative costs, because teaching certificates are so specific. Does it have to be a MIT or would you be open to M.Ed?

I don’t really understand the difference between mit and med

Then you should start there. MIT will specifically prepare you for teaching in the classroom and to get a teaching certificate. A master's in education can range from education theory to administration to specialized areas like early childhood or special ed.

You have now exhausted my knowledge of our higher education system for educators and teachers. I would suggest setting up time with an admissions advisor at WWU and UW if you're on the west side of the state, WSU on the east side, talk about your goals, financial plan and timing and get their input.

Thank you so much!

The K-8 is how you will be certified in Washington, unless you get an Early Childhood education degree. Most larger districts have grade level specific job pools, but you don't have to take any job you don't want to.