This course is designed to prepare students for any career area that involves working with children. Students will develop age-appropriate curriculum, activity centers, and lesson plans. For a large portion of the program students will interact with and guide child behaviors in the pre-kindergarten laboratory at GGB Elementary School as well as other daycare providers and education centers in the local community.
Students may become certified through the national Child Development Associate (CDA) program by fulfilling the required number of hands on experience hours (480 hours) in a prekindergarten lab and study hours (180 hours) in the high school classroom. Students will be observed teaching in the prekindergarten lab, prepare a portfolio, and take a national exam. The CDA Certification exchanges for up to 11 college credits through articulations with a number of colleges and universities.
Note that a criminal background check, child abuse clearances, drug and alcohol testing, and other Bradford Area School District employment paperwork are required to participate in Child Development.
An individual completing this program could pursue the following career paths:
·Daycare Center Aide/Operator
·Pre-Kindergarten/Head Start Aide
·Early Childhood/Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
·Elementary Teacher
·School Guidance Counselor
·School/Child Psychologist
Some examples of opportunities for Postsecondary Education:
A wide range of two and four year post-secondary opportunities are available to students who complete this program. Many post-secondary schools offer teacher education programs.
Some local post-secondary options include programs as the University of Pittsburgh Bradford, St. Bonaventure University, Jamestown Community College, and the Northern Pennsylvania Regional College.
Industry Recognized Certification:
Child Development Association (CDA)