The three-year Child Development Program prepares you to enter the child care field with knowledge in related areas including health and safety, child growth and development, communication, program management, and working with children who have special needs and diverse cultural backgrounds. You may choose other career paths at the time of program completion such as social services or education beyond the pre-school level. Students entering this program need excellent verbal and written communication skills, team work and peer-helping skills, and an outstanding attitude toward working professionally with both young children and adults.
Qualities and Characteristics of the Program
If you are
· pleasant
· understanding
· cooperative
· patient
· persuasive
If you have
- a positive self image
- good communication skills
- a good sense of humor
If you like to
- work with small children and exhibit a concern for their health and welfare at all times
- work in an active and sometimes noisy environment
- help young children with their needs and be able to accept physical closeness from young children
- participate in a child’s physical, mental, and social world
You will need
- the ability to read & comprehend material at grade level and industry standards
- physical stamina, high energy level, good vision, hearing, and fine motor skills
- the ability to get along with others
- grade level language/English skills including grammar and spelling
- a physical examination and Tuberculin test at the student’s expense (updated every two years)
- a criminal record (Act 151) and a child abuse (Act 34) clearance (approximately $20.00, updated every two years)
- smock/jacket
If you think
- these qualities and characteristics describe YOU
This may be the program you are looking for!
Nature of the Program: In addition to attending to children’s basic needs, childcare workers organize activities that stimulate the children’s physical, emotional, intellectual, and social growth. They help children explore their interests, develop their talents and independence, build self-esteem, and learn how to behave with others. They must communicate effectively with the children and their parents, as well as other teachers and child-care workers. Workers should be mature, patient, understanding, and articulate, and have energy and physical stamina. Skills in music, art, drama, and storytelling are also important. Those who work for themselves must have business sense and management abilities. Working hours vary widely. Most child-care centers are open year round with long hours so parents can drop off and pick up their children before and after work. Employment can be full or part time with staggered shifts to cover the entire day. Many child-care workers are self-employed, most of who are family child-care providers.
Completion of the Program: Upon completion of the Child Development program, students should have the skills necessary to obtain an entry-level position in a day care center or preschool, as a nanny in long term individual child care, or as a teacher’s aide in an elementary or special education classroom. As child-care workers gain experience, some may advance to supervisory or administrative positions in large child-care centers or preschools. Often these positions require additional training such as a bachelor’s degree. Students may also be eligible to apply for their Child Development Associate certification if they have completed their 480 hours in a certified child care program.
Related Occupations: Nursery, preschool, or daycare assistant, elementary or secondary teacher’s assistant, special needs assistant, children’s tutor, recreation assistant, or day care assistant group supervisor.
