Early Childhood Education

EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION

     Preschool, kindergarten and elementary school teachers play a vital role in the development of children. They introduce children to math, language, science and social studies. They use games, music, artwork, films, books, computers and other tools to teach basic skills. Teachers design classroom presentations to meet students’ needs and abilities. They also work with students individually. They are responsible for planning, evaluating and assigning lesson plans; preparing, administering, grading tests and maintaining discipline. 
     Most early childhood education teachers work a 10-month school year with a 2-month vacation during the summer. Many teachers work more than 40 hours a week. Teachers often work with students from varied ethnic, racial and religious backgrounds. With growing minority populations in most parts of the U.S., teachers must work effectively with a diverse student population. 
     All 50 states require public school teachers to be licensed, have a bachelor’s degree, and have completed an approved teacher training program with a prescribed number of subject and education credits, as well as supervised practice teaching. Teachers must also continually update their skills so they can instruct and use the latest technology in the classroom.

Early Childhood Education Pathway

Early Childhood Education I
Early Childhood Education II
Early Childhood Education III

 

Early Childhood Education I (Level 1)

Course Description:
The Early Childhood Education I course is the foundational course under the Early Childhood Care & Education pathway and prepares the student for employment in early childhood education and services. The course addresses the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors associated with supporting and promoting optimal growth and development of infants and children.

Early Childhood Education II (Level 2)
Course Description:
Early Childhood Education II is the second course in the Early Childhood Care and Education pathway and further prepares the student for employment in early childhood care and education services. The course provides a history of education, licensing and accreditation requirements, and foundations of basic observation practices and applications. Early childhood care, education, and development issues are also addressed and include health, safety, and nutrition education; certification in CPR/First Aid/Fire Safety; information about child abuse and neglect; symptoms and prevention of major childhood illnesses and diseases; and prevention and control of communicable illnesses. The prerequisite for this course is Early Childhood Education I.

Early Childhood Education III (Level 3)
Course Description: 
The course provides in-depth study of early brain development and its implications for early learning, appropriate technology integration, and developmentally appropriate parenting and child guidance trends. Also addressed are collaborative parent/teacher/child relationships and guidance, child directed play, the changing dynamics of family culture and diversity, the causes and effects of stress on young children, and infant nutrition. Mastery of standards through project based learning, laboratory application, technical skills practice, and leadership development activities of the career and technical student organizations will provide students with a competitive edge for entry into the global marketplace and/or the post-secondary institution of their choice when continuing their education and training.

The prerequisite for this course is Early Childhood Education II. After mastery of the standards in this course, students should be prepared to take the end of pathway assessment in this career area.



Related Pathway Occupations:

Education Administrators,

Preschool & Childcare Center

Instructional Coordinators

Childcare Workers

Pre-School Teachers

Teacher Assistants


Other Related Education &

Training Occupations:

School Counselors

Librarians

School Psychologists

Instructors, all subject areas


Average Annual
Salary Range

$20,000 -

$58,000




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