Early Childhood Education – APPR

Program Description

This is an apprenticeship program which combines weekly evening classroom instruction with on-the-job training and support. The related classroom instruction uses Caring for Preschool Children. This is a comprehensive, child development-based program that shows teachers how to plan and implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum. Students receive a Child Care Apprenticeship Certificate and Child Development Associate Equivalency CDA(e) upon full completion of all program components. The program is tuition free. Students are responsible to pay a materials fee of $150 for the year and the required textbooks necessary for this program. This program is open to applicants who are currently 18 years of age, employed in a child care center/ facility, and have their high school diploma or GED.

Classroom instruction focuses on the following: childcare rules and regulations, appropriate methods of guidance, theories of child development, inclusion for children with disabilities, identification and report child abuse and neglect, curriculum and lesson planning, communication and interpersonal relationships, food service and nutrition education, classroom management techniques, and developmentally appropriate activities for young children. Apprentices may receive up to half credit for program hours based on desired prerequisites and a credit assessment.

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Desired Prerequisites

30 Hour DCF Child Care Facility Certificate

5 Hour DCF Preschool Appropriate Practices Certificate

5 Hour DCF Understanding Developmentally Appropriate Practices

5 Hour Online Early Literacy Training

CPR/First Aid Certification

Certification

ECPC Early Childhood Professional Certificate

CCAC Child Care Apprenticeship Certificate

Career Information

Possible careers: Childcare worker, VPK teacher, pre-school teacher, lead teacher in childcare facility, private/faith-based school teacher, early childhood trainer

Possible careers after a four-year university degree: Elementary education teacher, head start teacher, special education teacher, childcare protection services professional

Admissions

Students must be at least 18 years of age, employed in a child care center/ facility, and have their high school diploma or GED. The online application opens each May. Upon completion of the online application, the student will be contacted by the instructor of the program. A waiting list will be generated if the class becomes full. A mandatory orientation night will be held during the first week of the fall semester. Students attend one class each week, either at the main campus on Tuesday or Thursday from 4:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. or at the instructional service center on Tuesday or Thursday from 4:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. August through May.

Additional Information

Additional information about enrollment requirements and application process can be found online at www.fkmtc.edu or contact our Administration Office at 727.774.1700. The program instructors can also be contacted directly at 727-774-1782.