WESTERN SUFFOLK BOCES L.A. WILSON TECH EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION and CARE I & II

Early Childhood Education I Course overview: This is the first of a two year program which is designed to prepare the student for a career as an instructional aide in the field of Early Childhood Education. Units of instruction include child development study and participation in an on-site learning laboratory with three to five year olds from the local community.

Early Childhood Education I Course Goal: The primary goal of this course is to provide students with the education and training required to develop the skills necessary to work with preschoolers. The students will also develop basic employability skills required to work in this field.

Early Childhood Education I Units of Study The first year course is divided into 10 units of study. Each of these units relates to the student’s participation in the preschool learning laboratory and their understanding of preschool development. Students are expected to organize, plan and implement activities that are developmentally appropriate.

UNITS OF STUDY Unit I: An overview of developmental areas relating to the preschool child. Social Development Physical Development Intellectual/Cognitive Development Creative Development Emotional Development

Unit II: Concept Areas The students develop skills in identifying and planning concept (curricular) activities. Math Science Social Studies Language Arts Creative Arts

Unit III: Guidance /Communication The students develop positive guidance and communication techniques currently used in the field of Early Childhood Education.

Unit IV: The Learning Lab Students will develop preschool assistant teacher skills through their participation in the on site learning laboratory. Design an effective preschool schedule. Identify learning centers and themes. Identify age appropriate materials and activities. Implement activities and guide children through learning centers. Teach preschoolers across all developmental domains.

Unit V: Lesson Planning The students will develop skills necessary to identify and incorporate lesson plans into their daily activities in the Learning Lab. Maintain an updated plan book. Identify and define component areas of a lesson. Demonstrate the ability to plan, write and follow an age appropriate lesson plan.

Unit VI: Employability Students will develop the skills necessary to obtain and maintain employment in the field. Define professional skills. Demonstrate preparedness. Complete a job application. Prepare a cover letter and resume.

Unit VII: Teaching Aids Students will develop skills necessary to create bulletin boards and teaching aids. Create bulletin boards relating to a theme. Demonstrate the ability to reduce/enlarge a reproducible using a photocopier. Demonstrate the ability to utilize technology to research and locate visuals. Demonstrate the ability to create a teaching aid.

Unit VIII: Safety Students will develop the skills necessary to maintain a safe environment for preschoolers. Identify and discuss safety precautions in all areas of the Learning Lab, including the outdoor playground. Learn, discuss and guide preschoolers through routine safety procedures, such as fire drills.

Unit IX: Observation The students will develop the skills necessary to observe children in various types of play and interactions. Observation skills will enhance the students understanding of child development.

Unit X: AIDS Education The students will develop an understanding of the use of Universal Precautions and the prevention of the spread of AIDS and STDs.

Early Childhood Education II Course Overview: The second year of the program is designed to prepare the student for a career as an instructional aide in the field of Early Childhood Education. Units of instruction include child development study as well as hands on experiences in the field.

Early Childhood Education II Course Goal: To provide students with the education and training necessary to work successfully in the field. In addition to their education, students work to further their employability, professional, and communication skills.

Units of Study Unit I: Qualities of Child Care Workers The student will develop an understanding of specific qualities that are necessary for employment in the field. Unit II: Types of Early Education Programs The student will develop an awareness of the many types of schools and facilities where they may be employed in the future.

Units of Study Unit III: Child Development Theorists Students learn about the theories of Piaget, Montessori, Skinner, Maslow, Erikson, Gardner, and others. Unit IV: Prenatal Development and Birth Students develop an understanding of the development of human life from conception to birth.

Units of Study Unit V: Parenting The students will develop an awareness of the many skills necessary to become a successful parent. The use of the “Baby Think It Over Program” will serve as a deterrent to teenage pregnancy. Unit VI: Universal Precautions/Safety A review of procedures in preparation for the student’s field experiences.

Units of Study Unit VII: Field Experiences Students will develop on the job skills and learning strategies to promote their success in the field. Infant/Toddler Field Experience School Age/ Elementary Field Experience Exceptional Learner/Special Education Field Experience

Units of Study Unit VIII: Child Abuse and Neglect Students will develop the skills necessary to identify and report suspected child abuse, following school guidelines. Unit IX: Pediatric Health The students will develop an awareness of the various types of pediatric illnesses, and immunizations to prevent them.

Unit of Study Unit X: Professionalism/Employability Students will demonstrate mastery of skills to enable them to become employed in the field of Early Childhood Education. Students complete resumes, portfolios, and receive employability profiles. Students may elect to attend college to continue their course of study in Education, or to pursue a course of study in a related discipline.