Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship Program

The Early Childhood Education program prepares students to earn a Florida Department of Education Early Childhood Professional Certificate (ECPC). Instruction includes learning activities provided in a laboratory setting using hands-on experiences with the equipment and materials appropriate to program content. Activities provide instruction in the use of manipulative equipment, language development, creative art, music, science, and dramatic play, developmentally appropriate practices, brain research, classroom management and Child Development Associate (CDA) competencies. Completion meets the requirements for the Florida Staff Credential mandated by the Department of Children and Families. Through an agreement with the Department of Children and Families students who complete this program will be awarded nine (9) college credits toward an associate degree in Early Childhood Education.

Students must be employed in the field to be eligible for this program.

Instruction includes learning activities that provides students with the ability to:
Plan a safe, healthy, learning environment for, Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers.

Advance children’s physical and intellectual development;

Positively support children’s social and emotional development;

Establish productive relationships with families;

Manage effective program operation;

Maintain a commitment to professionalism;

Observe and record children’s behavior; and utilize principles of child development and learning.