Early Childhood Education

  • Instructor TBD | East Campus | Instructor Karla Gibson | West Campus | CID Code 19.0708

    Early Childhood Education The Early Childhood Education program is designed to train and prepare students for employment in the early learning field and provides the foundation for study in higher education. Students in this program gain daily practical experience in the on-site child care school.

    Students study all phases of child development: physical, social, emotional and intellectual. The curriculum focuses on the following topics: establishing and maintaining a safe, healthy learning environment; advancing physical and intellectual competence; supporting social and emotional development and providing positive guidance; establishing positive and productive relationships with families; ensuring a well-run, purposeful program responsive to children’s needs; and maintaining professionalism. Each student works independently with a combination of learning strategies used to enhance the student’s growth.

    Graduates of this program are well prepared for a variety of careers working with children including employment in day care centers, nursery schools, elementary schools, Head Start classes, playgrounds, recreation centers and early childhood education centers. A student graduating in this program can qualify as an assistant group supervisor in child day care centers throughout Pennsylvania.

    Through agreements with various area colleges and universities, our graduates may qualify for advanced credit in early childhood education programs.

     

  • Industry Certifications:

    Child Development Associate (CDA)-Ready Certificate
    First Aid
    Infant and Child CPR
    Mandated Reporting Certification
    OSHA/CareerSafe 10-Hour Certification

    College Advanced Credits:

    Berks Technical Institute - Up to 50 quarter credits
    Harrisburg Area Community College - Harrisburg - Up to 9 credits
    Pennsylvania College of Technology - Up to 3 credits
    Reading Area Community College - Up to 9 credits (Depending on RACC Course of Study)

    Program Requirements/Costs

    There are specific costs for textbooks, tools, supplies, uniforms, certifications; and for some programs, medical and criminal clearances that students are obligated to pay upon acceptance. These costs change annually.

    Program Entrance Recommendations:

    ο Emotional Maturity - Students will be working directly with preschool age children and must demonstrate respect and self control at all times.
    o Reading at grade level
    o Algebra I or Geometry
    o Problem-solving/ troubleshooting skills
    o Ability to work independently and in a team
    o Hand-eye coordination
    o Artistic ability/creativity

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    Teacher Academy

    TEACHER ACADEMY - Early Chilhood Education

    Courses at CTC
    Level 1 Sophomore
    ECE-105 EC Professional (enroll in spring) – 3 Credits
    ECE-140 Health, Safety & PE (enroll in spring) – 3 Credits

    Level 2 Junior
    ECE-125 Intro to ECE (enroll in spring) – 3 Credits
    ECE-115 Integrated Arts (enroll in spring) – 3 Credits

    RACC Capstone Year Senior
    ECE-120 Observation & Assessment (on campus or online) – 3 Credits
    MAT-150 Found of Math (on campus, spring) – 3 Credits
    ENG-125 Intro to Literature (enroll at sending school) – 3 Credits
    IFT-110 Micro Comp Apps (on campus or online, fall) – 3 Credits

    Career Pathways:

    Preschool Teacher (except Special Education)
    Child Care Worker
    Elementary Teacher Preparation
    Teacher’s Assistant
    Assistant Group Supervisor
    Personal & Home Care Aide
    Recreation Worker

    CAREER PATHWAYS CAN LEAD TO:*

    Education Administrator – Preschool & Childcare Center Program
    Elementary School Teacher

    *Requires post-secondary training.