Early Childhood Education
Program Description
Mrs. Kelly Marquis, Instructor

Childcare workers nurture and teach children of all ages in childcare centers, nursery schools, preschools, public schools, private households, family childcare homes, and before- and afterschool programs. These workers play an important role in a child’s development by caring for the child when parents are at work or away for other reasons. Some parents enroll their children in nursery schools or childcare centers primarily to provide them with the opportunity to interact with other children. In addition to attending to children’s basic needs, these workers organize activities that stimulate the children’s physical, emotional, intellectual, and social growth. They help children to explore their interests, develop their talents and independence, build self-esteem, and learn how to get along with others.
Program Highlights
Subject matter and learning activities are focused on creative arts, music and motor development, dramatic play and pupperty, readiness activities, children's literature, child nutrition, toddler development, first-aid and safety, developmental differences, and program evaluation.
Hands-On Experience
Early Childhood Education students get extended learning in the laboratory by participating in the Customer Service Program. Students run a pre-school program during class hours to have actual child development experiences while in high school.
Career Opportunities
Childcare workers nurture and teach children of all ages in childcare centers, nursery schools, preschools, public schools, private households, family childcare homes, and before- and afterschool programs. 

Job titles include preschool teacher/assistant, parks and recreation employee, elementary aide, cook, or camp counselor. 

With additional training, jobs include kindergarten or elementary teacher, nanny, owner or director of a child care center.
Industry Overview
Qualified persons who are interested in this work should have little trouble finding and keeping a job. Opportunities for nannies should be especially good. Also, the proportion of youngsters enrolled full or part time in childcare and preschool programs is likely to continue to increase, spurring demand for additional childcare workers.

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, October 2002.
District       High School       Adult Education       Customer Service
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