Connecticut Technical High School System

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EARLY CARE AND EDUCATION
Consultant: Mary Skelly
860-807-2236
mary.skelly@ct.gov

Program Description

The Early Care and Education program will prepare students to enter careers in child care and early childhood. The curriculum will focus on the developmental needs of young children from birth to six years of age.  Coursework and theory will be enhanced with the day-to-day field experience through the on-site laboratory school, field placements, internships, work-based learning or other services.  High school students will be given the opportunity to learn, model, practice and develop critical child care skills. They will put into practice the theories and methods necessary for success in early childhood careers. Competencies will align with CT. Charts A Course, National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAYEC) and The Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition's Child Development Associate Credential (CDA), providing a career pathway for students to be successful in the field of early care and education.

Guidelines for Reviewing Occupational Experience

Knowledge, Skill and Ability

Knowledge of teaching and educational principles, methods and techniques in early care and education; knowledge of the current philosophy and practice of early care and education; knowledge of CT’s Framework and Benchmarks for Children in Preschool Programs; knowledge of operating a child care center including state licensing regulations and the NAYEC accreditation process; ability to work effectively with high school students; ability to express ideas clearly.

Experience and Training

  1. Eight years experience as a head teacher, coordinator or director in an accredited, licensed child care setting or in a preschool program in a public school setting or teaching early childhood education at the secondary or postsecondary level or equivalent. The Early Care and Education curriculum can be found by going to our “web-site” www.cttech.org on the left side click on “curricula” then under the heading of “Technical Offerings” click on Early Care and Education and open the curriculum.
  2. A #090 endorsement for the Instructor position is required. A #110 endorsement for the Department Head position is required.
  1. Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education preferred or in lieu there of, an Associate Degree of Science in Early Childhood Education and combination of experience and training in early childhood and child care.
  1. Early Childhood Education Certificate or Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) or in lieu there of, a combination of experience and training.
  1. Knowledge and experience in NAYEC, "Developmentally Appropriate Practices", CDA and CT. Charts A Course competencies.
  1. Within the 1st year of permanent employment must obtain a CDL with the proper endorsements to drive the school production bus.

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. The exploratory program introduces each student to the goals and objectives for each trade/technology; provides an objective measure of student performance and a measure of potential for success for each student in all trades/technologies. The exploratory program is divided into three phases: Phase I gives students career information on each trade technology offered; Phase II gives each student a hands-on experience in three trade technology areas; and, Phase III gives students a permanent placement  to begin the study of a trade/technology that he/she will concentrate on for the next three years.
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.