Early Childhood Education

EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT PATHWAY

The Early Childhood Education courses will prepare individuals to work with children from birth through eight in diverse learning environments. Students will combine learned theories with practice in actual settings with young children in connecting with a supervising teacher.

INTRODUCTION TO EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

GRADES: 9-12

Prerequisite(s):NONE

Credit: 1 ELECTIVE

Students are introduced to early childhood education career opportunities and explore topics such as child development, safe and healthy environments for children, and developmentally appropriate practice that supports child development. Leadership opportunities are available through the co-curricular student organization.

CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND PARENTING

GRADES: 10-12

Prerequisite(s):NONE

Credit: 1 ELECTIVE

Students enrolled in Child Development and Parenting focus on balancing work and family; analyzing parenting roles and responsibilities; ensuring a healthy start for mother and child; evaluating support systems that provide services for parents; and evaluating parenting practices that maximize human growth and development.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION I (YEAR-LONG CLASS)

GRADES: 10-12

Prerequisite(s):INTRODUCTION TO EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Credits: 2 ELECTIVES

Students prepare to be primary providers of home-, family-, or institution-based childcare services by focusing on the planning, organizing, and conducting of meaningful play and learning activities; child monitoring and supervision; recordkeeping and referral procedures; and work-based learning experiences in on-site labs, local daycare centers, elementary schools, and other institutions under the supervision of the instructor. Students also prepare for continuing education leading to careers in early childhood fields (e.g., medical, social services, education). Upon successful completion of the course, students may qualify to take the Early Childhood Education and Care-Basic Assessment.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION II (Internship)

GRADES: 11-12

Prerequisite(s):EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION I, TRAINING AGREEMENTS, AND PASS PREPAC CERTIFICATION

Credits: 2 ELECTIVES

Students focus on occupational skills needed by personnel employed in early childhood-related careers, such as education, medical/health care, social services, counseling, psychology, and entrepreneurship. Work-based learning experiences in on-site labs, early childhood development centers, elementary schools, and other institutions under the supervision of the instructor are required. Students will have to complete 125 internship hours to receive credit for class and will be graded by a Supervisor and their teacher-coordinator each 6 weeks.