PROGRAM OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the Early Childhood Education Program is to prepare students with relevant technical knowledge and skills along with certification needed for employment in a childcare center. 

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

The program is a planned sequence of instruction consisting of 600 clock hours of instruction and four occupational completion points. The program is comprised of 120 hours of classroom instruction and 480 hours of direct work with children. Upon completion of this program and meeting all requirements, students are awarded the Early Childhood Professional Certificate (ECPC). 

INSTRUCTION CONSISTS OF

Course Number
(SOC Code)

Course Title
(OCPs)

Total
Hours

HEV0870
(SOC 39-9011)
Child Care Worker 1
(OCP A)  
150
HEV0871
(SOC 39- 9011)
Child Care Worker 2
(OCP B)
150
HEV0872
(SOC 25-2011)
Teacher Aide (Preschool)
(OCP C)
150
HEV0873
(SOC 25-2011)
Preschool Teacher
(OCP D)
150

Standard Occupational Classification (SOC)
Occupational Completion Points (OCPs)

LABORATORY ACTIVITIES

Laboratory activities are an integral part of this program. Activities include elements of the early childhood industry: planning, management, finance, technical and production skills; underlying principles of technology; labor, community, health, safety, and environmental issues; and developmentally appropriate practices for preschool children.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

  • Interview with a counselor and instructor
  • Take Basic Skills test within six weeks of entering the program
  • Submit a Level 2 background check
  • Possess a high school diploma

 

ENTRANCE DATES

This program operates on an open-entry/open- exit basis. Students may enter the program anytime during the school year.

LENGTH OF PROGRAM

600 hours

DAY/TIME PROGRAM OFFERED

Monday and Wednesday | 8:30 A.M.– 11:30 AM

Tuesday and Thursday | 8:30 A.M.– 11:30 AM

Saturday | 8:30 A.M.– 3:00 P.M.

BASIC SKILLS REQUIREMENTS

The minimum basic skills grade levels required for adult career/technical education students to complete this program are the following:

  • Mathematics 9
  • Reading 9

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENT

Basic computer skills

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

  • Completion of all Occupational Completion Points (OCP’s)
  • Basic Skills Requirements
  • No financial obligations
  • Completion of Exit Package to receive a program certificate

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

  • Employers require applicants to complete a two-part DCF mandatory training program.
  • Earn the Early Childhood Education Professional Certificate
  • Employers recommend certification in infant/child CPR and First Aid.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

  • Child Care Worker
  • Teacher Aide
  • Pre-school Teacher

SALARY

According to the 2023 Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay of a childcare workers was $37,130 per year or $17.85 per hour.