Description:

The Careers in Education program is designed for students contemplating a career as a teacher or in any occupational area that focuses on children. Students will acquire the knowledge, attitude, behaviors and skills required to be effective in a school setting or in the wider community. Through partnerships with SMCC and CMCC, students will explore careers such as teaching, social work, and specialized therapy (occupational therapy, speech therapy, and developmental therapy). The program offers practical experience in our on-site, public pre-kindergarten classroom in which classroom instruction is applied in a real situation. Students will also learn about the art and science of teaching, educational philosophies, stages of development, curriculum planning, observation and assessment, and partnering with families. Students will be expected to participate in our on-site pre-kindergarten classroom, complete weekly written performance reflections, perform child observations, create lesson plans and learning materials, and create a professional portfolio.  The program offers students completing the two-year sequence of study an opportunity to explore various levels of teaching through internships. Students who complete the program can further their education or enter into the workforce as a pre-k teacher, educational technician, nanny, tutor and more. 

Curriculum:

Developmentally appropriate curriculum content and implementation

Child development

Intentional teaching strategies

Positive behavior guidance and classroom management strategies

Learning environments

Family engagement

Adapting for individual differences

Cultural inclusivity

Professionalism

Textbooks:

Effective Practices in Early Childhood Education: Building a Foundation

Those Who Can, Teach

National Standards:

National Board for Professional Teaching Standards

National Association for the Education of Young Children

Certifications:

Health and Safety

First Aid & CPR

College Credit:

Central Maine Community College

EDU 101- Introduction to Education (3 credits)

Southern Maine Community College

ECED 100- Introduction to Early Childhood Education (3 credits)

Suggested Integrated Academic Credit:

Career Prep

English Language Arts

Health

Science

Social Studies

Is This Program A Fit?