EARLY
CARE AND EDUCATION
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
EXPLORATORY AND INTRODUCTION TO EARLY CARE AND
EDUCATION (3
credits)
All
Grade 9 students go through the Exploratory Program. Students
deciding to enter the field of early care and education will
be exposed to the basics of safety, sanitation and personal
hygiene. Students are provided with fundamental knowledge of
early child-care and education programs, areas of child development,
safety and emergency procedures, introduction to careers, introduction
to play, basic observation skills, roles of an early childhood
educator, and basic care-giving skills. Students will participate
in on-site activities in the Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) classroom.
Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary
and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.
EARLY
CARE AND EDUCATION – THE
LEARNING ENVIRONMENT(3
credits)
In Grade 10, the curriculum consists of an in-depth study into
the development of the learning environment for early child care.
The course introduces the student to the skills necessary for
the creation of a positive learning environment for children.
Students are taught how to advance children’s physical
and cognitive development, plan and implement curriculum, and
promote positive guidance strategies. Students will demonstrate
success in entry-level skills, such as: positive interactions
with children; observation and recording techniques; identification
of child abuse and neglect; universal precautions and emergency
procedures; maintaining and promoting a safe and healthy learning
environment; and basic planning of curriculum activities. Students
will participate in on-site and off-site clinical experiences
at Pre-K and child care facilities. Students will continue to
be exposed to the basics of safety, sanitation and personal hygiene.
The necessary shop safety requirements are reinforced throughout
this course. Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing,
vocabulary and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.
EARLY CARE AND EDUCATION– CURRICULUM AND STANDARDS (3
credits)
In Grade 11, the curriculum builds upon the two previous years
and offers students an opportunity to develop teaching skills
in the on-site preschool program, as well as through a community
placement experience. The course focuses on managing a classroom,
understanding policies and procedures, understanding state and
local health and safety licensing requirements, introduction
to culturally relevant care, inclusion of children with special
needs, promoting positive relationships with families, and maintaining
a commitment to professionalism and ethical standards. Students
demonstrate knowledge by designing activities and programs, as
well as implementing and evaluating experiences with children.
Students will participate in on-site and off-site clinical experiences
at Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) and child care facilities. Students
will continue to be exposed to the basics of safety, sanitation
and personal hygiene. The necessary shop safety
requirements are reinforced throughout this course. Students
reaching an acceptable level of proficiency may be eligible for
Work Based Learning (WBL). Technology-related
mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary and science are integrated
throughout the curriculum.
EARLY
CARE AND EDUCATION – BECOMING
A PROFESSIONAL (3
credits)
In Grade 12, curriculum will continue to build on the skills
learned in the previous grades. Students continue to practice
responsible assessment of child development, as well as systematic
observation and documentation of child behaviors. Students create
a professional portfolio, a resource file of developmentally
appropriate activities for children, and a resource file for
the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, a national
competency credential. Students will demonstrate competence in
all of the functional areas of the child development credential.
Students continue to apply their basic knowledge in the on-site
Pre-K classroom and community programs. Through laboratory and
internship experiences, relevant course work and participation
in Work Based Learning (WBL), students will demonstrate knowledge
and critical perspectives of their work with young children.
First aid and CPR courses are required and must be completed
by Grade 12. Students will continue to be exposed to the basics
of safety, sanitation and personal hygiene. Students
will demonstrate the ability to complete a job application and
interview and to perform entry-level job readiness and trade
skills. Each student will take the National Occupational
Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) exam, which is a performance-based
test. The National Occupational Competency
Testing Institute (NOCTI) exam is administered in the second
half of the senior year. Technology-related
mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary and science are integrated
throughout the curriculum.
The
Early Childhood Education (ECE) program prepares each student
with the necessary knowledge and skills to work effectively
with children (birth to 5 years) in an early childhood setting. Post-graduate students may enter the field for
entry level positions as assistant infant/toddler and preschool
teachers and may pursue a National child development credential,
associate or bachelor’s degree to work in public school
programs and government subsidized programs such as Head Start. Employment
in the field of Early Care and Education (ECE) may include:
early childhood educator; home child-care provider; educational
assistant; preschool /nursery school teacher; before and after
school provider; and, camp counselor.
*
College Career Pathways – Students
successfully completing this program can receive advanced
college credit. |
