Description:
The Early Childhood Occupations program is designed for students who are preparing for careers in teaching and caring for young children, birth through age eight. The course provides a foundation in child development, family systems, childcare management, and teaching at the early elementary level. Students plan for and help to manage a campus child development lab program, which serves as one of Portland’s pre-kindergarten classrooms. Students also have the opportunity to gain valuable industry experience by interning in community-based programs and area elementary schools. The program has been designed with multiple entry and exit points that matches students needs and future teaching plans. This course is a good starting point for those who are interested in speech therapy, occupational therapy or social work. Students who complete the program can further their education or enter into the workforce as a preschool teacher, home childcare provider and more.
Curriculum:
Creating Healthy and Safe Environments for Children
Child Development from Birth to Age 5
Building Relationships With Families
Observation and Assessment
Developmentally Appropriate Practices
Behavior Guidance
Individual and Cultural Diversity
Business and Professional Development for Educators
National Standards:
NAEYC: National Association for the Education of Young Children
Certification:
CECA: Certified Early Childhood Assistant
Dual Enrollment:
Southern Maine Community College
Suggested Integrated Academic Credit:
Career Prep
English Language Arts
Health
Science
Social Studies
Prerequisites:
Academic:
Effective verbal and written communication to support collaborative professional relationships with colleagues and children’s families.
Ability to develop curriculum and accurately report children’s daily progress.
Ability to compose essays, newsletters, and other written communication.
Ability to model speech appropriately for young children and English Language Learners.
Ability to interact with text at 9th grade reading level.
Technical:
Provide appropriate supervision to ensure the safety of 3-4 year old children.
Respond quickly to children in the event of an emergency.
Implement emergency response plan in a prompt and calm manner.
Actively participate in and support early childhood education settings’ daily routine, including but not limited to sustained periods of mobility, physically interacting with children, and participating in and facilitating gross motor activities (including ability to sufficiently bend, reach and lift small children), in indoor and outdoor environments.