What skills will I learn?
Age appropriate lesson planning and presentation
Nutrition and meal planning
Childhood illness training
Pediatric first aid/CPR (certification during spring semester only)
Child abuse recognition
Classroom management skills
Health and safety procedures
Creative activities and learning environment design
Guidance and discipline techniques
Parenting skills and financial responsibilities

What equipment will I be trained to use?
Preschool equipment: proper set up, safety checks, ongoing maintenance
Kitchen appliances
Computer and digital photography
Laminator
Dye-cut Stencil
Book binder

What personal qualities and interests should I consider about myself?
Enjoys being with children
Self-motivated and creative
Good organizational skills
Flexible and cooperative
Positive attitude
Patience
Able to communicate verbally and in writing
Works well with others in groups and as a team
Decision making skills
Accepts constructive feedback and direction

What kind of jobs are available upon successful completion of this program?
ASD kindergarten teacher assistant
ECE teacher aide
Pre-K teacher aide
Special education aide
Recreational leader
After-school program assistant

With further education, what additional employment opportunities are available?
Teacher—preschool, primary, or secondary schools
Preschool, headstart teacher or director
Before/after school age site director
School psychologist
Pediatric nurse or doctor
Physical therapy
Family social services
Nanny
Counseling

 

Early Childhood Education
Kerry Reardon, Instructor
Jennifer Edwards-Fahl, Instructor

Students earn ASD academic credit in social studies elective. College credit with University of Alaska Anchorage possible.

1 semester. Second semester may be taken with a grade of “B” or better to advance. Grade level 11-12.
Prerequisite: None, however course work in Child Development and/or Psychology is helpful. Municipal licensing requires all students to complete paperwork for a background check and documented health history. In additio, all students' ASD disciplinary records are reviewed for possible infractions that would exclude them from working with young children. professional dress and attire is required on preschool days including wearing our uniform polo shirt and no visible tattoos and facial piercings. Students must not have been charged with or committed a crime within the last 10 years to be enrolled in the class. Students’ ASD disciplinary records are also reviewed for possible infractions that would exclude them from working with young children in this class..

The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Program provides students an opportunity to work and
learn about young children. Students work in a municipal-licensed preschool that follows NAEYC Accreditation Standards. They are supervised by two early childhood instructors. Students are also required to complete an application for the job of working with young children and provide three references. Students learn child development and classroom skills in supervising and teaching young children ages 3-5 years. The first semester curriculum includes: health and safety, guidance and parenting. Students enrolled in the second semester will continue their study of child development focusing on the elements of a quality learning environment and creative development of young children. For a minimal fee, students may earn up to 6 college credits through the UAA Tech Prep program.