Early Childhood Education
About Our Program:
The Early Childhood Education program provides the knowledge and skills necessary for employment in the childcare industry. The content includes, but is not limited to:
- Planning a safe, healthy, supportive, and respectful learning environment
- Steps to advance children’s physical and intellectual development (including literacy)
- Positive ways to support and promote children’s social and emotional development
- Strategies to establish productive, positive relationships with families
- Strategies to manage effective program operations
- Maintaining a commitment to professionalism
- Observing and recording children’s behavior including an understanding of screening and assessment
- Principles of child growth and development
Admission Requirements:
- 16 years of age or older and not currently enrolled in any K-12 program
- Accredited High school diploma or GED
- Occupational Interest
- FDLE fingerprint clearance DCF Level 2 mandated for working hours
Program Structure:
This program is comprised of 120 hours of classroom instruction/ 480 hours of direct work with preschool age children and is a planned sequence of instruction consisting of four (4) Occupational Completion Points (OCPs):
| OCP | COURSE | HOURS |
|---|---|---|
| OCP A | Child Care Worker 1 | 150 Hours |
| OCP B | Child Care Worker 2 | 150 Hours |
| OCP C | Teacher Aide (Preschool) | 150 Hours |
| OCP D | Preschool Teacher | 150 Hours |
| Total Hours: 600 | ||
Full Program Completion:
- Completion of all program competencies including: DCF 30-hour Child Care Worker certification (5 DCF Test Certificates), DCF 10-hour Pre-School Certification, DCF 5-hour Early Literacy Program, and Adult and Pediatric CPR
- Minimum basic-skills TABE® test: Math 9, Reading 9, Language 9; or
- Early Childhood Professional Certificate (ECPC)
Employment Opportunities:
- Childcare Worker
- Teacher Aide (Preschool)
- Preschool Teacher
Salary:
The average wage for this career in Florida is $23.63 hourly or $49,160 annually.
Employment Outlook:
Employment of childcare workers is projected to grow 11% from 2020 to 2030.
Financial Aid:
Financial Aid is available for those who qualify. To apply, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid at www.fafsa.gov. Visit the financial aid office for more information.
Program Hours:
| LOCATION | COURSE'S SCHEDULE | |
|---|---|---|
| South Dade Technical College 28300 S.W. 152nd Avenue Leisure City, FL 33033 (305) 247-7839 | Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | |
Gainful Employment Disclosure:
Early Childhood Education
| This program is designed to be completed in: | 24 weeks | |
|---|---|---|
| Program cost if completed within normal time. There may be additional costs for living expenses. These costs were accurate at the time of posting but may have changed. | In-state: $1,906.00 600 hours x $2.56= $1,536.00 Out-of-state: $6,520.00 600 hours x $10.25= $6,150.00 |
|
| Fees $35.00 x 2 terms= $70.00 Books and supplies= $300.00 |
||
| Of the students who completed this program within normal time, the typical graduate leaves with $ 0 of debt. | ||
| The following States do not have licensure requirements for this profession: Florida | ||
| For more information about graduation rates, loan repayment rates, and post-enrollment earnings about this institution and other postsecondary institutions please click here: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/ | ||
Source
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Childcare Workers, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/childcare-workers.htm.
Licensed Childcare
