Early Childhood Education

Early Childhood Education

Location: East Campus (Oley)                    Instructor: Cody Gey
Location: West Campus (Leesport)           Instructor: April Lenhart
CIP Code: 19.0708

The Early Childhood Education program is designed to train and prepare students for employment in the early learning field and provides the foundation for study in higher education. Students in this program gain daily practical experience in the on-site child care school.Students study all phases of child development: physical, social, emotional and intellectual. The curriculum focuses on the following topics: establishing and maintaining a safe, healthy learning environment; advancing physical and intellectual competence; supporting social and emotional development and providing positive guidance; establishing positive and productive relationships with families; ensuring a well-run, purposeful program responsive to children’s needs; and maintaining professionalism. Each student works independently with a combination of learning strategies used to enhance the student’s growth.

Graduates of this program are well prepared for a variety of careers working with children including employment in child care centers, nursery schools, elementary schools, Head Start classes, playgrounds, recreation centers and early childhood education centers. A student graduating from this program can qualify as an assistant group supervisor in child care centers throughout Pennsylvania.

Through agreements with various area colleges and universities, our graduates may qualify for advanced credit in early childhood education programs.

Industry Certifications:

Child Development Associate (CDA)-Ready Certificate
First Aid, Infant and Child CPR
Mandated Reporting Certification
OSHA/CareerSafe 10-Hour Certification
Fire Safety Training
American Red Cross Babysitting Basics
Health & Safety Basics: Requirements for Certification

Uniforms

Required/Optional Items
Purchased through
APEX UNIFORM STORE

Required Items
Purchase from any Vendor

Required Footwear

Required Safety Gear

REQUIRED
One Shirt (Any Style Listed)
:
· Burgundy Short Sleeve Polo Shirt with BCTC Logo
· Burgundy Long Sleeve Polo Shirt with BCTC Logo

OPTIONAL:

· Burgundy Sweatshirt with BCTC Logo 
Cotton blue jeans, khakis/cargo pants, dress pants – proper fitting and no holes

Absolutely NO leggings or sweatpants

Comfortable closed-toe shoes. N/A

 

Textbook

PLEASE NOTE: No textbook is required for this program. Program instructor will provide all needed details at New Student Orientation.

Tool / Supply / Protective Equipment

Quantity Needed Level 1, 2, or 3 Approximate Cost Suggested Vendor
Footwear Requirement: Closed toed, comfortable shoes for all kinds of weather 1 pair Levels 1, 2, & 3 TBD Any store
2”, 3-Ring Binder 1 Levels 1, 2, & 3 $10.00 Walmart
Headphones w/3.5mm headphone jack 1 Levels 1, 2, & 3 $15.00 Walmart
Early Childhood Education

Program Entrance Recommendations:

  • Emotional maturity
    • Students will be working directly
      with pre-school age children and must demonstrate
      respect and self control at all times.
  • Reading at grade level with some college level text
  • Basic math skills
  • Problem solving/troubleshooting skills
  • Ability to work independently and in a team
  • Hand-eye coordination
  • Artistic ability/creativity

Career Pathways:

  • Preschool Teacher (except special education)
  • Child Care Worker
  • Elementary Teacher Preparation
  • Teacher’s Assistant
  • Assistant Group Supervisor
  • Personal & Home Care Aide
  • Recreation Worker
  • Teacher’s Assistant
  • Education Administrator, Pre-School & Childcare Center Program
  • Elementary School Teacher