Developing Early Childhood Educators Activities
Planning for the Future
Partner involvement with continuous quality improvement (CQI) will occur throughout the length of the project through an identified quality improvement representative from each project partner who will work with the project coordinator either through face-to-face meetings, phone conference calling, webinars (which the REB has the capacity to initiate) and/or email to develop and review various CQI mechanisms such as project reports, feedback surveys of participants and employers, and others so that changes can be made to improve in any area identified as lacking or needing improvement.
Participant recruitment, selection, assessment and employer screening
The DECE Program Manager will receive all applications resulting from the recruitment and outreach activities. The Preschool Enrichment staff will provide career assessment and begin a career portfolio for each applicant and begin the process for Placement Assessment in combination with the participating educational institution.
Education and Training
The Developing Early Childhood Educators (DECE) is a customer-driven project, and specific course training will be determined on an individual basis to insure that participants can select from an array of course offerings.
Developing Early Childhood Educators Tracks
| Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Teacher | Child Growth and Development (3 credit) course to learn the principles of child growth including physical, emotional, social and intellectual child development from conception through adolescence; concepts of development and function derived from theoretical approaches, research and clinical observation emphasized; child rearing applications included.
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| Lead Teacher | This track will require 9 credits in early childhood in addition to Child Growth & Development. The participant will explore curriculum planning, child guidance, families and community.
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| Director I | Participants are required to take an additional 3 credit course once lead teacher certified to address the topic of daycare administration. To learn the skills of management and operation of a child care setting.
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| Director II | The participant must complete an additional 6 credits in Advanced Day Care Administration, or Supervision, Families & Community, Day Care Policy, and Health and Safety in Early Childhood Programs, or Children with Disabilities.
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| Child Development Associate (CDA) | CDA is a nationally recognized credential for practitioners of early education and care. CDA's are issued by the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition, a national association that supports professional development in early education and care. To earn a CDA, applicants must demonstrate their competency in supporting the healthy growth and development of children in center-based care, family child care, or home visiting programs.
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| Completion of Associate's Degree | Participant must be 8-10 courses away from completing an Associates degree in early childhood or related field to build their credentials and skill levels. To increase the levels of professionalism in the field and to meet new regulations.
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| Completion of Bachelor's Degree | Participant must be 6-8 courses away from completing an Bachelors degree in early childhood or related field to build their credentials and skill levels. To increase the levels of professionalism in the field and to meet new regulations.
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