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. Please
see page 7 for more detail. Students deciding to enter the field
of early care and education will be introduced to the basics
of safety, sanitation and personal hygiene. Students are provided
with fundamental knowledge of early 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 II – 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, how to support children’s social
and emotional development, and promote positive guidance strategies.
Students are introduced to storytelling and the creative arts. 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 and implementation
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 introduced 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 III– 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 providing positive
guidance, promoting creativity, encouraging self-esteem and social
skills, as well as encouraging children communication and literacy.
Students demonstrate knowledge on written exams, oral presentations
and projects. Students also focus on mastering storytelling
techniques, lessons and curriculum planning 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 begin working on
the CDA resource file and professional trade portfolio. Students
will continue to be introduced 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 IV – 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. The course
focuses on managing a classroom, 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 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 introduced 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
(CDA), associate or bachelor’s degree to work in public
school programs and government subsidized programs such as
Head Start or a career in the field of Special Education. 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; special education teacher, paraprofessional
or related area.
*College Career Pathways – Students
successfully completing this program may qualify for advanced
college credit.
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