Child Care Education is a program designed to provide knowledge, information and practice required for child care professionals. The program was first introduced in the US in the early 1970's as part of the National Goals for Family Education. The basic intent was to promote healthy child development through education, protection and prevention of child abuse, neglect and violence. The basic concepts of this course are: biological, developmental and psychological well being; child development, peer relationships and family development; teaching children self-esteem; social skills and problem solve; emotional and physical health; nutritional needs and risks; and teaching children science. It has been successful in its mission, as it incorporates effective practices from many different disciplines.
Child Care Education is offered in two forms, at the local community college or through a center-based agency. The local community college offers a two year diploma in early childhood development and one year certificate in early childhood development. Both programs have similar requirements, applications and courses of study. The certification is granted by the National Association for centers and Early Childhood Education Accreditation Commission (NACEA). A licensed early childhood provider of child care may participate in the child care education center based certificate program.
The Montessori School Of Downtown participates in the child development certificate program. Some centers offer free college education programs for parents who are willing to enroll their child in an early learning program. These free college education programs usually last between two and four weeks. There is an assumption of responsibility to participate in these programs by parents.
There is another accrediting body, the National Professional Development Association (NPDA), which accredits child care training and professional development through two levels. At the first level, one must be a registered professional or a licensed vocational nurse to enroll. At the second level, one must be employed in a related field in order to be accredited. One must have completed an accredited nursing degree or be a mother with three or more years of experience who is actively engaged in the child development field. Those who earn the associate credential have completed a one or two year course in early childhood development, and are eligible to apply for associate degrees. Candidates must submit transcripts from accredited colleges and pass a professional development examination. If you wish to know more about an education program, visit this website: https://www.montessoridowntown.com/.
There are also child care education online courses available at schools, K-12 institutions and community colleges. The most popular of these courses is the prekindergarten through pre-middle school online courses. However, there are also college preparatory and associate degree programs based on the early childhood education curriculum.
In the United States, some states have specific professional certification or licensing requirements for child development associates, while other states do not. For example, the professional development associate has a specific education and training requirement. Similarly, some states have a requirement for people working as child care aides. On the whole, it can take a little more time to complete the course than it would for a certificate, however in the end the benefits will be worth it. Those pursuing a career in child care education will find that a certificate or diploma will be adequate for entry-level positions, while higher qualifications are available for those working towards the professional development credentials. Continue reading for more information regarding this topic: https://www.dictionary.com/browse/education.
