Early Childhood Education Program

childcare workersEstablishing learning foundations for life.

Introduction:

Preschool and childcare center directors supervise and lead staffs, oversee daily activities, design curriculums, and prepare budgets. They are responsible for all aspects of their program. Some preschools and childcare centers are independently owned and operated. In these facilities, directors must follow the instructions and guidelines of the owner. Sometimes, directors own the facilities, so they decide how to operate them. Other preschools and childcare centers are part of a national chain or franchise. The director of a chain or franchise also must ensure that the facility meets its parent organization’s standards and regulations.

DCF Requirements

• Students can be awarded the Florida Department of Education Early Childhood Professional Certificate (ECPC) upon completion of this program and meeting all requirements. The ECPC is recognized by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). Students who earn it are eligible for a DCF Staff Credential.
• This program is comprised of 120 hours of classroom instruction, 480 hours of direct work with preschool age children and includes DCF introductory child care training.
• To offer the DCF introductory child care training, courses as part of this program, approval must be obtained from the local DCF child care training coordinating agency.
• To teach the DCF introductory child care training courses, the instructor must meet the trainer requirements established by the Department of Children and Families (Chapter 65C-22.003(5) F.A.C. http://ccrain.fl-dcf.org/documents/2/470.pdf). Requirements and guidelines can be obtained through your local training coordinating agency. For more information, go to http://www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/child-care/contacts.
• Programs offering the introductory child care courses will be required to use DCF materials and be subject to monitoring by the coordinating agencies.

Employment Outlook:

Employment of preschool and childcare workers is projected to grow 11% from 2020 to 2030.

Salary:

The average wage for this career in Florida is $23.63 hourly or $49,160 annually.

Completion Requirements:

The entire program is 600 hours. Students can earn a certificate at the completion of the following Occupational Completion Points (OCPs):

OCP	COURSE	HOURS
OCP A	Child Care Worker 1	150 Hours
OCP B	Child Care Worker 2	150 Hours
OCP C	Teacher Aide – Preschool	150 Hours
OCP D	Preschool Teacher	150 Hours
		Total Hours: 600

Location & Course’s Schedule:

Early Childhood Education is available at the following school (s):

LOCATION	COUNSELOR / REGISTRAR	PHONE NUMBER
The English Center (305) 445-7731	Cecilia Castillo Juan R. Gonzalez	Ext. 2708 Ext. 2708
Lindsey Hopkins Technical College (305) 324-6070	Patricia Estiverne Sandra Hawkins Jacques Lucien Rose Jasmin	Ext. 2111
Robert Morgan Educational Center & Technical College (305) 253-9920	Mirtha Silverang Maria Ruiz Kathy Pearson Irene Montoto	Ext. 2145 Ext. 2147 Ext. 2159 Ext. 2150
South Dade Technical College (305) 247-7839	Osar de Leon	Ext. 2111

Contact Information at the Location:

Additional information can be provided by student services:

LOCATION	COURSE'S SCHEDULE
The English Center	Monday and Wednesday | 8:30 A.M.– 11:30 AM Tuesday and Thursday | 8:30 A.M.– 11:30 AM Saturday | 8:30 A.M.– 3:00 P.M.
Lindsey Hopkins Technical College	Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Robert Morgan Educational Center & Technical College	Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
South Dade Technical College	Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

 

Source

• Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Preschool, and Childcare Center Directors, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/childcare-workers.htm.