• Plan and carry-out appropriate activities for children
• Assess children’s ability
• Guide behavior
• Create teaching materials
• Assist children in the development of self-help skills
• Be responsible for the health and safety of children
• Communicate with parents and conduct conferences
• Interact with other professionals

Employment Opportunities Include:
Becoming a lead teacher or program coordinator working with primary grade children, preschoolers, and infants/toddlers in public or private schools, child care centers, preschools, Head Starts, AEA’s, family day care homes, resource and referral centers, family/community service agencies, recreation centers or residential homes

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?

• Team player
• Organization
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Creativity, interest, and curiosity
• Problem-solver
• Dependability
• Self-confidence
• Persistence and hard work
• Neatness
• Caring

What Else Should Be Considered About This Program or Career Choice?

• Must be physically able to perform required care of children, including lifting and good vision
• Ability to make quick decisions and stay calm
• Students need transportation to all practicum experiences

Recommended High School Courses:

• Algebra
• English Composition
• Speech
• Biology
• Child Development
• Health and Wellness Classes
• Art
• Music
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Computer
• History
• American Government

Basic Skills Needed in the Program and On the Job

Reading
Textbooks (11^th grade reading level) are used as a central part of the program.  In addition to their texts, students will be reading handouts, Internet, journal articles, newspapers, catalogs, brochures, reference books, encyclopedias, and child and environmental assessment forms.  Tests are based on information from the above resources.

Students will also be reading children’s books, curriculum guides, and professional journals.  They must be able to use reference books as resources to answer children’s questions.  They can expect to continue this type of reading on the job, where they will also be reading notes from parents, directors, and other professionals, child and professional standards, regulations, agency forms, and medical information pertaining to the children in their care.

Language
Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential in this program.  In addition to interacting with children and staff members, individuals must be able to communicate clearly to parents as they describe and justify the actions they have taken (both one-on-one in conferences and to larger groups).  On the job, they will also be involved in community group presentations, staff meetings, and have contact with the general public, including agency representatives, newspaper reporters, and law enforcement officials. 

Within the program, frequent classroom presentations (group and individual) are required.  Students also participate in discussion groups, conduct interviews, and speak at club meetings.  There is also opportunity for professional conference workshop presentations.

Writing activities required in the program includes reflective journaling, child observations and assessments, lecture and video notes, and development of philosophy, resume, autobiography, and a personal professional portfolio.  Multiple classroom assignments, legislator and congress advocacy letters, documentation panels and curriculum unit development will also be part of the program.  Most of the written work is computer generated.  Similar writing activities are requirements on the job.

Math
Students must take one college level math course, typically either Math for General Education or Finite Math.  It is recommended that students complete at least one year of high school algebra prior to enrolling. 

Students will use math in their coursework to prepare budgets, determine nutritional content of foods, plan menus, figure cost per serving, measure accurately, calculate equipment costs, and determine appropriate classroom space.  Similar math activities are requirements on the job.  In addition, they must be able to measure dosages of medication on the job.

Thinking Skills
Critical thinking skills are essential for success in this program.  Students must learn to be objective observers of children, able to apply principles learned in class, able to make on-the-spot decisions, solve problems and trace the consequences of their actions/decisions.  Creativity and teamwork are other skills often used.

Computer
Basic computer skills (word processing, spreadsheets, data bases, graphics) are used on a daily basis for completing assignments, maintaining card files and portfolio development.  Also, presentation software (PowerPoint) is used in presentations.

Student Success
Students who succeed in this program possess skills of energy, motivation, organization, enthusiasm for the profession, creativity and strong academic skills.  They relate well to children (in a childlike rather than a childish manner) and have the ability to take charge and to think on their feet.  They maintain good health.  They accept evaluation as a means of improving their performance.  And finally, they have a stable enough life outside the classroom to handle their coursework and practica responsibilities.