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 |
Course Title |
Total |
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.
DOCUMENTS, PUBLICATIONS, & MULTI-MEDIA
- Florida Department of Education Curriculum Framework (PDF)
- Gainful Employment Disclosure (WEB)
- Occupational Outlook Handbook (WEB)
- CTE Careers Average Earnings (PDF)
- Brochure – English (PDF)
- Folleto – Español (PDF)
- Video (MOV)