This course provides a conceptual framework for understanding the early childhood profession, the role of the early childhood educator, and early childhood programs. It examines the historical philosophies and theories of Early Childhood Education as well as the current trends, issues, and practices of educating children from birth through the age of eight.

Instruction and learning activities for this program are provided in a laboratory setting using hands-on experience with equipment and materials appropriate to the program content and following high-quality standards in the field. Activities provide instruction in manipulative, language development, creative art, music, science, dramatic play, outdoor playground, and technology. Observation and supervised work experience with young children in a school laboratory or a community laboratory setting is an integral part of this program.

Program courses include:

• Early Childhood Education 1

• Early Childhood Education 2

• Early Childhood Education 3

• Early Childhood Education 4 (Honors)

• Early Childhood Education 5 (F.C.S Internship)

Students that enroll in Early Childhood Education 5 will be involved in an in-classroom internship. Those students that enrolled in this class will take on many of the responsibilities a preschool teacher director has and will be instrumental in running the “Little Cavaliers Program.”

Our award winning culinary program is led by two certified culinary chefs with degrees from Johnson and Wales University in Culinary Arts and Hospitality. With years of professional industry experience under their belt, the culinary program has won six district titles, three state titles and one national title in Culinary Arts. The program consists of four levels and as seniors all students will take the national safety and sanitation exam in which they will become SafeServ certified. Our program also has an internship program with The Biltmore Hotel where students work along a professional chef. As a senior, students can apply for scholarship opportunities through our partners at the Coral Gables Foundation where they generously established a grant of $10,000 for our program.

The fashion design course is designed to introduce students to the world of fashion. Students will explore the importance of clothing, the fashion industry, learn to use a sewing machine, elements and principles of design, figure analysis, wardrobe planning and principles of clothing construction.