Early Childhood
Education
Preparing tomorrow's teachers.
The Track Ahead
Potential Careers & Salaries
Early Childhood Education
Location: Monroe Central High School
1st Year Schedule: 8:20 – 10:36 AM
- Enrollment: Juniors (seniors only when there is capacity)
- Concentrator status completed 1st Year
2nd Year Schedule: 12:46 – 3:05 PM
- Enrollment: Open to students completing Year 1
Do you enjoy nurturing young children and seeing them learn and grow? Does helping someone else acquire a new skill or concept give you a sense of satisfaction?
The Early Childhood Education training program equips high school students with essential skills and knowledge to effectively nurture and educate young children. Through hands-on experiences and coursework, students learn about child development, classroom management, and creative teaching strategies, preparing them for careers in early childhood education.
Student Requirements
Before students can participate in the early childhood education classrooms, they must meet several requirements designed to ensure the safety and well-being of the children. This includes the following:
- 5-panel drug test, TB Test, and Fingerprinting-background check
- CPR/BLS and First Aid Training
- ILEAD Training:
- Child Abuse and Neglect Detection and Prevention Online
- Safe Sleep Practices: Modules 1 and 2
- Universal Precautions Online
- Indiana’s Introduction to Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning Professional Online: Modules 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Learn more about early childhood education careers!
Indiana Mean Wage – All career and salary information cited from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Photo Gallery
Earn Credits, Gain Speed
| HS Courses | HS Credits | Ivy Tech Dual Credit Coursework | Dual Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7160 Principles of Early Childhood Education | 2 | ECED 100: Introduction to Early Childhood Education (1st Sem.) | 3 |
| ECED 101: Health, Safety, and Nutrition (2nd Sem.) | 3 | ||
| 7158 Early Childhood Education Curriculum | 2 | ECED 103: Curriculum in the Early Childhood Classroom (1st Sem.) | 3 |
| ECED 104: Supportive Interactions (2nd Sem) | 3 | ||
| 7159 Early Childhood Education Guidance | 2 | ECED 130: Developmentally Appropriate Guidance in a Cultural Context (1st Sem.) | 3 |
| Year 1 Total HS Credits | 6 | Year 1 Total Dual Credits | 15 |
Career Activities
Students assist in the early learning classrooms and preschool.
| HS Courses | HS Credits | Ivy Tech Dual Credit Coursework | Dual Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7259 Early Childhood Education Capstone | 6 | ECED 105: CDA Process | 3 |
| ECED 234: Literacy in the ECE Classroom | 3 | ||
| Year 2 Total HS Credits | 6 | Year 2 Total Dual Credits | 6 |
Work-Based Learning or Youth Apprenticeship
Students will have the opportunity to complete the 480 hours of experience working with children through a variety of options, such as, at the Monroe Central early learning classrooms, with an early childhood education employer, in a school system working in a preschool or lower-elementary grade-levels, or through an apprenticeship placement for those who meet eligibility requirements.
Certification
Child Development Associate (CDA)
The CDA certification provides early childhood education professionals with the ability to show their competence in the field of early childhood education. To earn the CDA Credential:
- 120 hours of professional care training
- 480 hours of experience working with young children
- Completion of a Professional Portfolio
- Skills Evaluation conducted by a Professional Development Specialist
Postsecondary Credential
Ivy Tech Early Childhood Education CDA Certificate
Guided by Experience
Meet The Pathway Instructor
RAZ-32 Career and Technical Education Instructors are experienced, credentialed educators who are dedicated to providing high school students with a positive experience as they embark on learning about a career field through hands-on learning, related academics, technical skills attainment, and engagement with local business and industry representatives.
Instructor: Ms. Renee Haney
- 22 years of teaching experience
- Bachelors in Family & Consumer Sciences
- Masters in School Guidance and Counseling
- Completing a Masters in Early Childhood Education
Where the Road Leads
When You Finish...
- Meet Graduation Requirements
- Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential
- Work Ready: Preschool Teacher, Childcare Specialist, Teacher’s Assistant, After-school Program Coordinator, Daycare Supervisor, and more
- Postsecondary: Enroll in college to complete an associate or bachelor’s degree in education.
Local & Regional Employers
Use these resources to browse open jobs in the industry:
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