Childcare

Early Childhood Education and Services I and II are dual credit courses teaching students safety and nutrition, learning activities, guidance techniques, and observation of the preschool child. Students participate in a Lab School for 3-5 year old children.

Early Childhood Education & Services I students prepare to be primary providers of home, family, or institution-based child care services by focusing on the planning, organizing, and conducting of meaningful play and learning activities; child monitoring and supervision; record keeping, and referral procedures. Critical thinking, practical problem solving and entrepreneurship opportunities within the field of early childhood education are emphasized. Students also prepare for continuing education leading to careeers in early childhood fields (e.g., medical, social services, and education. Students combine classroom instruction and supervised on-the-job training in the Lab School throughout the school year. Upon completion of the course, students may earn 3 college credit hours.

Early Childhood Education and Services II- is a dual credit course focusing on the Lab School experiences of the preschool child. Students plan, and prepare an age appropriate theme curriculum. Students enrolled in this class observe and teach learning activities suitable for the preschool child using the Virginia Kindergarten SOL's as the guide. Early Childhood Education & Services II students focus on occupational skills needed by personnel employed in early childhood-related fields, such as education, medical/health care, social services, counseling, psychology, and entrepreneurship. Work-based learning experiences gained from Lab School under the supervision of the instructor are required. Critical thining, practical problem solving, and entrepreneurship opportunities within the field of early childhood education are emphasized. The cooperative education method is available for this course. Students combine classroom instruction and supervised on-the-job training in an approved position with continuing supervision throughout the school year. Upon completion of the course students may earn 3 college credit hours and upon completion of the sequence, students may also earn a verified credit by passing the NOCTI exam.

Specific Objectives in the Early Childhood Education & Services Course Offerings

• Providing a Positive, Safe, and Healthy Learning Environment.
• Promoting Physical, Cognitive, Social, and Emotional Development
• Creating a Curriculum Responsive to Participants' Needs
• Promoting Positive and Productive Relationships with Families
• Maintaining Careers and professionalism
• Use Workplace Skills
• Demonstrate Virginia's Workplace Readiness Skills
• Apply Virginia's All Aspects of Industry
• Identify Internet Safety Issues
• Participate in the Student Organization
• Balance Work and Family
• Develop Knowledge of Self and Others
• Define and Develop Leadership Skills and Practices
• Practice Leadership through Service