Grade 9-12;  Credits - .5

Child Development is offered as an introductory course for those students interested in studying early childhood development and for those who hope to pursue careers related to children.  This class focuses on conception, prenatal development, and the social, emotional, physical and intellectual growth of the newborn through age 4.  Child Development is a prerequisite for Preschool I and Child Development II.

Grade 9-12;  Credits - .5

Child Development II is offered as an extended course for those students interested in working in the preschool classroom offered here at the high school.  This class focuses on the social, emotional, physical and intellectual growth of children ages 3 - 8.  It reviews prominent theories of development and topics such as health, nutrition, play and the family.This class is recommended for any student interested in studying early childhood development and for those who hope to pursue careers working with young children.  Child Development II is a prerequisite for Preschool I.  Prerequisite:  85% in Child Development.  College credit available through Westmoreland County Community College (WCCC).

Grade 9-12;  Credits - .5

Fashion introduces students to the exciting world of fashion. Students will learn about fads, classics, famous designers, body types, and wardrobe planning. Students will create designs of their own. Students will discover hand and machine sewing techniques. Students will discuss the importance of self-care in fashion. We will study the many career opportunities in the fashion industry. Students will create upcycled fashion projects to meet today's trends. This course may also participate in community and charity projects. Students will be responsible for material costs.

Grade 9-12;  Credits - .5

Fashion II students will continue to explore the exciting world of fashion. Students will continue to learn about fads, classics, famous designers, body types, and wardrobe planning. Students will create designs of their own. Students will grow deeper in the skills of  hand and machine sewing techniques. Students will create window displays and concentrate on marketing in the fashion industry.  This course may also participate in community and charity projects. Students will be responsible for material costs.  Prerequisite:  80% in Intro to Fashion.

Grade 11-12;  Credits - .5

Observation and participation are two of the most valuable tools for the study of child development and parenting.  After developing skills, knowledge, and attitudes needed to work effectively with young children, students will plan lessons and operate a preschool program for 4 & 5 year old children.  This course will provide a valuable learning experience for those who enjoy children and for those who are interested in pursuing a career in early childhood education.  This is a self-paced class that requires students to schedule, plan, and carry-out lessons effectively.   In this class, students will complete an observation project, a small group lesson, a literacy backpack and other projects based around the preschoolers’ needs. Prerequisite:  85% in Child Development 2.  Qualifying students are required to complete the following application: Preschool I Application

With knowledge gained from the experience in Preschool I students will develop a learning environment and teach experiences that address the normal sequence of growth for children ages 4 through 5.  By designing the preschool classroom and preparing children’s 21st century learning, the student will gain a better understanding of the purpose, philosophy and values of early childhood education.  This is a self-paced class that requires students to schedule, plan, and carry-out lessons effectively.   Prerequisite: 85% in Preschool I

Grade 11-12;  Credits - .5

This course is designed as an advanced independent study for students who have successfully completed Preschool I and II, and have demonstrated exceptional skills, leadership, dependability and enthusiasm with young children.  Students will be exposed to a variety of classrooms to gain experience working with children of various ages and to observe different teaching methods. Students will be assigned to assist at the elementary school classrooms in the community where he/she will complete more in depth projects and observations as well as gain more effective hands-on skills with children.  

This is a self-paced class that requires students to schedule, plan, and carry-out lessons effectively.  Students are responsible for their transportation to elementary schools.  Prerequisite:  85% in Preschool II.  Qualifying and interested students are required to complete the following application: Preschool 3 ApplicationDue to capacity, not all students who apply will be accepted.  College credit available through Westmoreland County Community College (WCCC). 

Grade 12;  Credits - .5

This course is designed to develop the skills needed to manage the daily challenges of living and working in a global society.  Emphasis will be placed on developing wise consumer choices and building sound relationships through effective teamwork, decision-making, communication, and conflict resolution skills.  Students will continue to develop employability skills that will lead to interviewing and career success.  Other topics of discussion will include managing personal finances, factors affecting housing decisions, economic and societal responsibilities of owning a car, and enhancing nutrition and meal planning principles.