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May 18, 2012
Capital Region Career & Technical School

Early Childhood Education


Children learn from the world around them. The Early Childhood Education program at Career & Tech's Albany campus is designed for students interested in teaching at the preschool or elementary level and making a difference in the lives of youngsters. In this program, students learn all aspects of the early childhood field and put theory into practice by working with children in a variety of child care settings.

Early Childhood Education students learn about child development, family psychology, instructional theory and techniques, applied academics and career opportunities, and they put knowledge into practice by working with children in a variety of educational settings.

Students may test for the national early childhood career and technical endorsement (NOCTI) exam. Upon completion of the program, they are prepared for advanced study at college for a position in the early childhood field. Early Childhood Education is a great foundation for further study toward becoming an elementary (PreK to grade 3) teacher or special education teacher. Students who are interested in this program must complete an application and interview.

 

Career Opportunities:

Head Start assistant teacher
Child care assistant teacher
Family child care provider
Nursery school assistant teacher
Elementary school aide K-2
Special needs aide
After-school aide
Child care lead teacher
Elementary teacher PreK-3
Special education teacher

 

Units of Study:

Introduction to early childhood programs
Child growth and development
Creative activities
Guidance and discipline
Program management
Parent/teacher/community involvement
Guiding children with special needs
Health/safety/sanitation
Curriculum development
Nutrition
Observation of young children
Integrated English (2nd year students)

 

College Articulation:

Schenectady County Community College
SUNY Cobleskill

 

Portfolio:

Students create a portfolio which they present to teachers, administrators, peers and/or industry professionals. The portfolio includes employability information and exemplary work in technical and communication skills that students have created and developed over the course of the year.

 

Academic Prerequisites:

Child Development
Skills in English and math
Computer skills

 

Professional Requirements:

Uniform shirt for field work
Workbook and assorted teacher supplies

 

Post-Secondary Education:

Students are prepared to pursue further education such as a 2-year or a 4-year degree in early childhood education or a 4-year degree in elementary education.

 

Application:

Students interested in Early Childhood Education are requested to complete and mail back an application.

Early Childhood Education application pdf

 

Read more about it:

This teacher won’t leave the classroom: Most people can’t wait to be done with school, but not Kimberly Bushey

 

Teacher profile:

Cindy Jennings

 

Going Green

Preschool and elementary school teachers have long recycled and reused for craft and art projects. Pie tins, squirt bottles and plastic containers are reused for paint, water and supplies. Recycled construction paper is a classroom staple, and youngsters are taught to use both sides of paper and avoid waste.

 

what's new

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 26% increase in the number of preschool teachers needed by 2016. In New York alone, the number of preschool teacher positions will increase by more than 9% annually from 2010-2016, according to the state Labor Department.

 

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