Mission: The mission of this program is to prepare students for employment in the child care industry. Graduates earn an Early Childhood Professional Certificate (ECPC) diploma and are prepared to be in charge of children in group care.

Program V200210 consists of a planned sequence of courses.

Child Care Worker - Course HEV0117 (45 hours) – Students learn the laws and rules that govern the state and local community in which they are employed. Planning and establishing a safe, clean, and healthy learning environment is also included. Students also gain skills in observation and recording methods, communication skills, as well as recognizing developmentally appropriate practices and guidance techniques.

Child Care Teacher Aide - Course HEV0101 (105 hours) – Students continue to build on the skills from Course HEV0160. Professionalism, identifying community needs and resources and taking an active role as part of the child care center staff are covered.

Preschool Teacher - Course HEV0156 (300 hours) – Students build on skills learned previously.  Content includes theories of child development and guidance, influences that effect child development, planning developmentally appropriate activities for early childhood and special needs children and using appropriate guidance techniques, and demonstrating preschool teacher skills.

Child Care Development Specialist - Course HEV0162 (150 hours) – Content includes analyzing current trends and issues in early childhood, and demonstrating child care development skills.

This training is accomplished through a variety of instructional techniques and an on-the-job training component.  Classes are held at various locations in Pinellas County. 

Special Admission Requirements:  This program requires a high school diploma or GED for entry and a person must be at least 18 years old.

Distance Education:  Not available at this time

Articulation Agreement(s):  Statewide Early Childhood Education, A.A.S./A.S. Degree

Industry Certification(s):  Early Childhood Professional Certificate (ECPC)

Apprenticeship:  Available – refer to Apprenticeship section

This program is not PELL eligible.