Program Description

The Early Childhood Education program is designed to teach students the aspects of teaching and working with young children, from birth through elementary age. Students will explore career pathways and develop the characteristics of successful teachers and childcare providers through practicums. Applying theoretical concepts to real-life situations, students are able to take what they have learned in the classroom and apply it to their rotation experiences. The rotation experiences are vital in building the student’s understanding of how to meet the developmental needs and interests of young children in elementary school and daycare settings.

Program Length

Two years

Industry Alignments

 American Heart Association: First Aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) - Adult, Child and Infant Standards, ServSafe Certification, New York State Teaching Assistant Certificate, Level I

Integrated Academic Coursework

Career and Financial Management (1/2 credit); English (1/2 credit per year)

4+1 Pathway Option

NOCTI Early Childhood Care and Education – Advanced

College Credit Opportunities

Dual Credit: Cayuga Community College: BIO 209 Basic Nutrition (1st year students), CAY 101 Foundations for College Success (2nd year students) and Jefferson Community College: ECD 101 Introduction to Early Childhood Care and Development (2nd year students); Articulation Agreements: SUNY Cobleskill

Credential Opportunities

NYS Teaching Assistant Certificate – Level I; American Heart Association: First Aid, CPR and AED Certifications, ServSafe Certification; Technical Endorsement on Graduation Diploma

Industry Assessments

NYS Teaching Assistant Certificate; NOCTI – Early Childhood Care and Education Advanced Exam

Program Supplies Provided

Polo shirts 1st year, Sweatshirt 2nd year; NOCTI – Early Childhood Care and Education (Advanced Exam); American Heart Association – First Aid, CPR, AED Certifications; 3 workshops (Dignity for All Students Act, Child Abuse Prevention Workshop, and School Violence Prevention Workshop); Exam fee for ATAS (Assessment of Teaching Assistant Skills) needed to earn the NYS Teaching Assistant Certificate (must be eligible to test after completing two years of instruction and completed all workshops); Fingerprint Clearance for Teaching Assistant Certificate (as long as student takes and passes ATAS exam before graduation).