As children play pretend, they explore relationships between family members, friends and co-workers and learn more about how people interact.

Playing outdoors is a form of exercise that promotes well-being and wholesome physical development.

Program Description

This Early Childhood Education program includes the Department of Children and Families Introductory Child Care Training. Programs are required to use DCF materials and will be subject to monitoring by DCF/Training Coordinating Agencies.

Part I of the DCF Introductory Child Care Training includes the following:

► State and local rules and regulations - 6 Hours
► Health, Safety, and Nutrition - 8 Hours
► Identifying & Reporting Child Abuse & Neglect - 4 Hours
► Child Growth and Development - 6 Hours
► Behavioral Observation & Screening - 6 Hours

 Part II of that coursework must be the 5 hour Understanding Developmentally   
Appropriate Practice and 5 hour Preschool Appropriate Practices courses
which are applicable specifically to this program. (NOTE -- this change in the
DAP course(s) is pending due to rule promulgation; the 10 hour Preschool

Appropriate Practices course remains appropriate until that change occurs).

Students must complete DCF Part I and Part II Introductory Child Care Training

coursework by the end of the fourth course of this program. Students must pass the DCF Part I and Part II Introductory Child Care Training competency exams prior to being issued the ECPC certificate.

►  Students must also complete five clock hours of literacy training. Students can meet this literacy requirement by successfully completing any of the DCF approved literacy course go to (http:www.myflorida.com/childcare/training) for more information.

►Note: A student must successfully complete the Emergent Literacy for VPK Instructors course to be eligible as a VPK instructor, unless he/she has successfully completed a DCF approved literacy training course prior to November 28, 2005 (http://www.fldoe.org/earlylearning).

►  It is recommended that students obtain certification in infant/child CPR and first aid for intial employment.

►  Students are required to create and maintain a Professional Resource File for this program.  The Professional Resource File should contain a minimum of the following:

      ► Autobiography - (minimum 300 words) about her/himself and he/she made the decision to work with young children.  A resume of education and work should also be included.

      ► Statements of Competance - 250 word minimum (each) related to the following goals:

• To establish and maintain a safe and healthy learning environment.
• To advance physical and intellectual competance.
• To support social and emotional development and to provide positive guidance.
• To establish positive and productive relationships with families.
• To ensure a well-run, purposeful program responsive to participant needs.
• To maintain a commitment to proffessionalism.
  

      ► Resource Collection should include evidence of activities in each content area via curriculum activities and assignments. There are 17 specific items that must be included in this section of Professional Resource File. ( See ECPC Professional Resource File Guidelines in Support Documents - link on webpage.)

       ► Optional: Additional Items (training certificates, transcripts, resume, picture identification, teaching goals, letters or recommendation, list of early childhood Education program standards mastered, copies of any certification/cards pertaining to child care eligibilty, samples of student developed teaching materials and more) may be included in a separate binder/portfolio (instructor discretion).

Laboratory Activities
Laboratory activities are an integral part of this program.  Instruction and learning activities are provided in a laboratory setting using hands-on experiences with the equipment and materials appropriate to the program content and in accordance with high quality standards in the field.  Activities provide instruction in the use of manipulative equipment; language development; creative art, music, science, dramatic play, developmentally appropriate practices, brain research, classroom management and established early childhood/child development competencies. Observation and supervised work experience with young children in a school laboratory or a community laboratory setting are a requirement of this program.

Preparation for Employment
This program offers a strong foundation of knowledge and skills to prepare students for employment in Early Childhood Education field. 

Certifications
► ECPS- Early Childhood Professional Certificate

► Florida DCF Staff Credential
► National CDA eligible

Potential Employment Opportunities
► Child Care Provider
► Child Care Center Instructor
► Voluntary Preschool Teacher
► Family Child Care Owner

Program Fees

Length of Course
► 600 clock hours 1.5 Semesters

Occupational Completion Points = OCP’s
► The following table illustrates the program structure:

Basic Skills Requirements
► TABE Assessment:
Math 9.0      Reading 9.0  Language 9.0

Program Offered
► Fall and Spring
► Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
8:00 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.

Prerequisites
► 18 years of age
► High School Diploma or Equivalent
► Level Two Background Screening

Funding / Financial Aid
► Click for info

Course Textbooks
► Click for info

Request More Information About This Course
► Contact us

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. What is the goal of the Early Childhood Program?
The goal of the Early Childhood Program at iTECH is to provide secondary and post secondary students the privilege and opportunity to become certified Early Childhood providers.

Q. How are students educated within the program?
Students are expected to receive classroom instruction and laboratory training to develop/enhance individual knowledge and skills to effectively observe, monitor, teach and provide all Early Childhood services to the pre-school aged children under his/her supervision.

Q. What expectations are placed on each student?
Each student is expected to be prepared for learning, adhere to all academic and discipline principles. 

Students are expected to be professional, provide a safe and nurturing environment to all pre-school students.

Students are required to be in attendance on a consistent basis and on time. Make up instruction and training will be provided in situations of illness and emergencies as needed.