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

Child Care Worker 1

150

HEV0871

Child Care Worker 2

150

HEV0872

Teacher Aide (Preschool)

150

HEV0873

Preschool Teacher

150

TOTAL HOURS

600

Hours

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

Cost

Approximately $2,645
Early Childhood Education Fee Sheet 2324

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

Attend an Information Session
Take the CASAS test, if applicable
Obtain official transcripts, if applicable (high school, GED, college, etc.)
Apply for financial aid (official transcripts required)
Provide appropriate residency documents
Complete application packet
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.