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Early Childhood Education

Early Childhood Education

In this program, you will join the rewarding field of education by exploring early childhood development, teaching practices, and the legal/ethical responsibilities of caring for young children. You will gain skills in safety and wellness by completing Ohio Department of Children & Youth orientation training. You will learn to create engaging, age-appropriate lesson plans and use observation strategies to track child behavior, growth, and learning progression.

A teacher sits at a low wooden table with students in a brightly lit classroom.

Career Expectations

Ohio Department of Children & Youth (ODCY) Ohio Department of Education (ODE) requirements to participate in Field Experience

  • Level 1
    • Complete and pass Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) background checks
    • Complete and sign ODCY medical form signed by a physician (physical examination)
    • Complete and pass First Aid and CPR training (adult, child, and infant)
    • Complete ODCY Child Care Orientation through the Ohio

Professional Registry housed at the Ohio Child Care Resource &Referral Association (OCCRRA)

  • Level 2
    • Complete ODCY Communicable Disease Prevention for Childcare Professionals course
    • Complete Ohio Children’s Trust Fund Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention course

Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential

  • Complete 480 hours of field experience
  • Prepare and complete a CDA professional portfolio
  • Work with a CDA specialist
  • Schedule a CDA verification visit
  • Pass CDA examination
A group of people are gathered around a large table, working collaboratively in an office or workspace.

Ohio Department of Education & Workforce Development Courses

Year 1

  • Health Safety and Nutrition
  • Curriculum and Instruction for Early Childhood Education

Year 2

  • Early Childhood Education Principles
  • Early Childhood Education Observation and Assessment 

 

View complete course guide here

Next Ready Skills

At Great Oaks, you’ll do more than learn a trade; you’ll master NextReady skills like clear communication and problem-solving that help you get hired. You will get a head start on building a professional reputation for being dependable, adaptable, and technically skilled before you even graduate

Effective Communicators

Set a positive example by following all safety procedures, sharing relevant student information with colleagues, and effectively managing students/instructional resources/classroom.

Critical Thinkers

Consider different developmental stages and cultural perspectives to shift instructional approaches as necessary.

Adapt­able Navigators

Understand and respond to the changing landscape of early childhood standards and adjust quickly to unexpected changes in daily schedules/student needs/family concerns.

Account­able Employees

Set a positive example by following all safety procedures, sharing relevant student information to colleagues, and effectively managing the students/instructional resources/classroom.

Skilled Professionals

Master the core content for the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and take pride in creating high-quality learning environments.

Bottom Line: If you enjoy the business and science of animals, don’t mind hard work, and want a career managing animal health and habitats, Animal Science & Management may be right for you.

Contact the Instructors

Linda Danford

Live Oaks

Sadie Welch

Scarlet Oaks