Early Childhood Education (CTE) Program

This program will start in the 2022 - 2023 school year.

 

The ECE program is a new Taylor County High School (TCHS) Career and Technical Education (CTE) program that provides knowledge and skills necessary for employment in the childcare industry.

 

Students will be provided training for the Early Childhood Professional Certificate (ECPC) which is a preschool specialization approved by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) as meeting the Staff Credential requirement.  Students who complete the program (ECE 1-4) and earn their ECPC may earn the National Child Development Associate (CDA) by completing additional requirements.  For more information please contact the Taylor County High School Guidance Department at 850-838-2525.

 

Program Requirements:

  • Enroll - eligible TCHS Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors
  • Submit completed application
  • Complete 4 courses*

    1.     Early Childhood Education 1

    2.     Early Childhood Education 2

    3.     Early Childhood Education 3

    4.     Early Childhood Education 4

        * Instruction will include the DCF 40 hour mandated Introductory to Child Care Training

  • Pass all DCF Competency Exams with a 70% or better
  • Complete a Professional Resource File (Portfolio)
  • Complete 480 hours of work experience with children 5 years or younger. Labs to be completed at Taylor County Primary School (TCPS)
  • Complete the ECPC Certification requirements
  • Complete the DCF Staff Credential Application
  • Complete the CDA licensure requirements
  • Be a member of Florida Future Educators of America (FFEA)

     

    Course content to include:

  • Infant/Child CPR and First-Aid Certification
  • The following childcare content areas:

1.     Child Care Facility Rules and Regulations

2.     Health, Safety, and Nutrition

3.     Identifying and Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect

4.     Child Growth and Development

5.     Behavioral Observation and Screening

6.     Understanding Developing Appropriate Practices

7.     Preschool Appropriate Practices

8.     DCF-approved Literacy Training

 


What will successful program completion mean to me?

  • Earned Merit Designation Diploma (must complete CDA)
  • Earned a math or science credit (must complete CDA)
  • Eligible for the Bright Futures Scholarship Florida Gold Seal Vocational Scholarship (eligibility requirements)
  • Eligible for the Florida Gold Seal CAPE Scholarship* (eligibility requirements)  * (must complete CDA)
  • Earned 9 credits toward an Early Childhood Education AS Degree program at a state college (must complete CDA)
  • Qualified for a teacher position at the preschool (Note: To be employed in the field, students must earn a standard high school diploma and meet all ECE program requirements)

 

Program Completion Next Steps:

  • Be employed as preschool teacher/work at TCPS
  • Apply for a TEACH Grant to assist with college tuition (grant eligibility information)
  • Enroll in an Early Education AS degree program (with 9 articulated credits)
  • Continue postsecondary training and earn a bachelor’s and/or master’s degree in education