EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Early Childhood Education is a pathway in the Human Science, Art, and Humanities career cluster. This program includes classroom and hands-on experiences that help to prepare students for employment or continuing education in the early childhood education field. In the course of study, emphasis is placed on students' personal and profession preparation for careers or education in the field, history and trends of early childhood education, children's health and safety, child development, characteristics of high quality early childhood centers, management and administration in the quality child care programs, and the learning environment. Skills developed through the course of study assist students in meeting requirements for the CDA (Child Development Associate credential).

ECE I

Orientation. Personal, and Professional Preparation; Child Development: Infants - Middle Childhood; History and Trends of Early Childhood Education; Health and Safety; Observation, Assessment, and Guidance

ECE II

Career Development and Professionalism; The Learning Environment; Characteristics of Quality Child Care Programs; Management and Administration

February 1-29, 2012

ECE I

4:1 Explain the responsibilities of caregivers for protecting children's health and safety. (A) Demonstrate proper sanitation practices of caregivers according to the MSDH regulation guidelines. (B) Demonstrate the procedures for proper cleaning and sanitizing of equipment and facilities according to the MSDH regulation guidelines. (C) Investigate responsibilities of caregivers for safety according to the MSDH regulation guidelines, including but limited to topics such as adult to child ratio, food safety precautions, handling emergencies, universal precautions, safety hazards, equipment specifications, and so forth. (D) Demonstrate appropriate responses to emergency situations to include fire drills, hurricane drills/ evacuation, tornado drills, lock-down emergencies, and natural disasters. (E) Complete and obtain the American red Cross Certification in First Aid and Infant and Child CPR.

4:2 Recognize factors contributing to children's physical health. (A) Research and identify childhood diseases, including signs and symptoms, incubation periods, and preventative measures. (B) Know types of immunizations that Mississippi requires for enrollment in a child acre facility and kindergarten.(C) Cite the recommended time periods for indoor and outdoor play, exercise, napping, according to the MSDH regulation guidelines throughout the early childhood years.(D) Relate the importance of good nutrition and exercise for increased overall health in children and adults.

4:3 Describe factors contributing to children's mental and emotional health. (A) Examine the impact of stress and its relation to the emotional well-being of children to include divorce, separation, remarriage, blended families, illness, death, and natural disasters. (B) Create a list of children's literature that can be used as bibliotheraphy tools. (C) Investigate types of abuse, prevention, and the reporting process. (D) Identify methods and sources to help children and families cope with stress factors, such as handling negativism, thumb sucking fear, biting, tattling, body exploration, and inappropriate behaviors.

ECE II

9:1 Explain the purpose of licensing and other regulations affecting child care services. (A) Explore aspects of child care that are subject to licensing requirements,  including but limited to indoor and outdoor square footage, training or education of employees, ratio of adults to children, maximum group size, equipment, facility structure and safety, zoning codes, criminal background checks and fingerprinting of staff, health exams, and immunization status of children and staff.

9:2 Summarize sound business and operating procedures that are necessary for a successful, productive child care center. (A) Identify sources of income in a program. (B) Explore types of expenses (fixed, variable, and optional expenditures) that may be involved in operating a program, but not limited to mortgage or rent, salaries, utilities, insurance, food, maintenance, repairs, purchasing, indoor and outdoor equipment and supplies, field trip cost, transportation, and so forth. (C) Investigate liability and legal concerns in operating a program such as local, state, and federal regulations. (D) Explore ways to market and advertise a child care program.

Notice of Non Discrimination