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Real training. Real people. Real work.
3800 Michigan Avenue
Fort Myers, FL  33916

Early Childhood Education

Experience the joy of creating fun and amazing activities for children who are full of life and love learning. Influence the future of infants, toddlers, and preschoolers by shaping their intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development. Utilize critical and creative thinking skills necessary for working with young children.

The purpose of the Early Childhood Education program is to prepare students for initial employment and career advancement in the field of early childhood education. Job opportunities are available as child care aides, child care workers, or preschool teachers.

The program content includes, but is not limited to, learning to:

  • plan and conduct activities which promote physical, intellectual, emotional and social growth, and development of children;
  • maintain clean and healthy environments;
  • implement child nutrition, health, and safety practices;
  • recognize signs of child abuse and neglect;
  • apply the rules and regulations which govern child care; and
  • practice interpersonal relationship skills

The state of Florida has approved Fort Myers Technical College’s Early Childhood Education program for training the mandatory 45-hour child care courses. The Fort Myers Tots Learning Center is accredited by Cognia. Through participation and successful completion of the Early Childhood Education program, eligible students may be granted the Early Childhood Professional Certification (Staff Credential) through the Florida Department of Education.

The program operates a DCF-licensed (C20LE7526) child care center, Fort Myers Technical College Tech Tots Learning Center. FMTC students may utilize this quality preschool program for their 4-year old children that have a VPK voucher. The hours are from 7:45 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Monday – Friday. Students do not pay for Monday – Thursday. On Friday, a non-VPK day, the charge is only $15! Children are fed a nutritious breakfast, lunch, and two snacks daily. Please see Mrs. Hernandez or Mrs. Singh if you are interested in enrolling your child.

Florida Department of Children and Fmilies  

The following table illustrates the program structure:

Course #

OCP

Course Name

Hours

HEV0870

A

Child Care Worker 1

150

HEV0871

B

Child Care Worker 2

150

HEV0872

C

Teacher Aide (Preschool)

150

HEV0873

D

Preschool Teacher

150

TOTAL HOURS

600

Hours

600 hours. Approximately 5 months.
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

What You’ll Learn

  • State-Mandated Training (DCF)
  • Orientation to Early Childhood Careers
  • Career Ready Practices
  • Childcare Regulations
  • Health, Safety, and Nutrition for Young Children
  • Child Development
  • Assessment Methods
  • Recognition of Child Abuse and Neglect
  • Emergency Literacy
  • Development Appropriate Practices for Young Children
  • Inclusion of Children with Special Needs

Career Ready Skills

  • Act as a responsible and contributing citizen and employee.
  • Apply appropriate academic and technical skills.
  • Attend to personal health and financial well-being.
  • Communicate clearly, effectively and with reason.
  • Consider the environmental, social and economic impacts of decisions.
  • Demonstrate creativity and innovation.
  • Employ valid and reliable research strategies.
  • Utilize critical thinking to make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
  • Model integrity, ethical leadership and effective management.
  • Plan education and career path aligned to personal goals.
  • Use technology to enhance productivity.
  • Work productively in teams while using cultural/global competence.

Industry Certifications

  • Staff Credential, Florida Department of Children and Families (FLDCF)
  • Early Childhood Professional Certificate (ECPC), Florida Department of Education (FLDOE)
  • Introductory Childcare Training Parts I and II, Florida Department of Children and Families (FLDCF)

Software

  • Students become proficient in using the Department of Children and Families website (www.myflorida.com/childcare) to manage their State-mandated training and assessments.
  • Students are introduced to using “Teaching Strategies Gold,” an assessment system for observing young children aligned with state and national early learning standards and guidelines.
  • The instructor of this program uses a web-based grading program so students take charge of monitoring their own grades.

Course Projects

  • Hands-on experience is gained through assignments in the Fort Myers Tech Tots Learning Center program.
  • Additional student teaching experiences with infants, toddlers, and VPK programs are gained through the Early Learning Services Program with the School District of Lee County.
  • Students develop bulletin boards, learning games, folder games and activities to build their file of teaching materials.
  • Students develop a Professional Resource Portfolio that meets the requirements for the Early Childhood Professional Certificate (ECPC), and also parallels the requirements for a National Child Development Associate Credential (CDA).

Employment Opportunities

Students who complete this course can expect to earn a starting salary of $11+ per hour in the following industries (Actual wages vary according to education, experience, and certifications.)

  • Child Care Centers
  • Head Start
  • Pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, public and private primary schools.
  • School age child care
  • Programs for individuals with special needs
  • Public school paraprofessionals as defined by No Child Left Behind Act
  • Child care resources and referral agencies
  • Early intervention programs

Steps to Enroll

  1. Attend an Information Session
  2. Take the CASAS test, if applicable
  3. Obtain official transcripts, if applicable (high school, GED, college, etc.)
  4. Apply for financial aid (official transcripts required)
  5. Provide appropriate residency documents
  6. Complete application packet
  7. Pay application fee

Important Information to Know:

  • High school diploma or GED is required for certification
  • All potential students must submit a satisfactory Level 2 Background Screening (fingerprints) prior to enrollment in the program
  • This program has a statewide articulation agreement approved by the Florida Board of Education.

Instructor

Program Info

Early Childhood Education Master Plan of Instruction 2023-24

Program Start Date

December, 2023

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