Early Childhood Education (ECE) is a pre-professional program designed to prepare students for college or the workforce in a pre-school setting. The program is located at Pike Central High School and includes experience in the Pampered Chargers Child Care Center, housed on the campus of Pike Central High School. Pampered Chargers is a state-certified child care which accepts state vouchers. All students who enroll in the ECE program must meet the following state requirements prior to the start of the school year:
- medical exam report
- T.B. screen
- drug screen
- criminal history background check
- child protective services history check
- signed consent to release form
A parent/student meeting is held in May prior to the end of school to organize a summer scheduling for the completion of all said requirements. The fees attached to some of these tests/sreeens will be paid by the school corporation if completed according to arranged schedule. Parents/students may arrange and pay for tests/screens individually as long as all paperwork is provided by the first day of school. Early Childhood Education may be a one or two year program. Year one meets two periods per day. Year two meets three periods per day. Advanced students are provided additional lab experiences in community preschool/day care settings. In addition, year two students will have the opportunity to earn their Child Development Associate Credential (CDA).
Curriculum includes understanding all aspects of the industry, safety, child development, skills education, curriculum development, classroom management, health and nutrition, and the process of owning and operating a day care. Emphasis is placed on care and concern for children as well as meeting regulations. Instruction is provided in the physical, emotional, social, and cognitive areas of early childhood. Competencies are developed through classroom instruction, observation, and participation in early education settings.
Students seeking a career in elementary, middle, or secondary education would greatly benefit from this program but may also wish to check on the availability of a class called Education Professions at their home high school. ECE year one plus Education Professions would allow a student to qualify for a Technical Honors Diploma if the student also met additional diploma requirements. Dual credit is available through Ivy Tech State College. Students will work toward their CDA (Child Development Associate) National Credential and prepare for successful completion in a two or four year college education program.
Early childhood is arguably the most important time in a child’s life and it could be the link to a successful educational and professional career. Any person who chooses to pursue this career pathway should have a love of children, patience and understanding, and boundless energy; as well as other important traits. Education, especially early childhood education, could be called the noblest of professions.
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