BY CASSI NOWOSAD
Nova’s partnership with CCHS allows anyone attending CCHS who completes the early childcare program, passes several tests and works as a teacher for Nova’s preschools will receive a full scholarship to the school. Recently early childcare programs across Florida are getting their ECPC (Early Childhood Professional Certificate). CCHS’ child care program went and took their Florida credentials test, and visited preschools at Nova Southeastern University. In total there are currently seven Florida credentials tests they need to pass in order to work with children. Mrs. Gailboord (the first year early childhood instructor) helps each student gain the proficiency throughout the year to get the first five set of tests done.
“I think I’m going to continue this [program] throughout college, and get to the point where I can be a pediatrician,” CCHS Freshman Hanna Ameria said.
The early childcare class itself is organized into units throughout the year to prepare for these tests; the first is childhood growth/development with 6 modules and 6 projects in between. Their last project was an activity in which they roll up tissue paper into little balls and using it to spell out their name; this strengthens (what would be the preschoolers) hand muscles allowing them to get their pincer grasp eventually leading to them holding a pencil.
“[My favorite project] was about the presidents and how the decisions they make influence early childcare,” CCHS Freshman Paul Perra said.
The political project the students worked on was intended to inform them about educational changes the president makes. Any incoming freshman in the childcare program will be voting as they get out of highschool, and if they are getting educational related jobs they will need to be aware about funding for schools.
Currently, the students have completed three out of the five tests. The next set to be completed are health safety and nutrition, behavior observation and screening, as well as rules and regulations. Two other sets of tests will be completed their following year known as their ‘CDA’ (Child development associate) with Mrs. Covard (the director of CCHS’ preschool). The second unit is childhood abuse/neglect with 3 modules. The students also learn how to do first aid, redirect children in a positive way, and work on lesson plans for the preschool children.
“Learning growth and development, what to do if a child is getting abused…[and] know[ing] what to do…be[ing] prepared for anything that’s gonna happen,” Amireh said.
Childcare is a program that offers the knowledge and skills to truly understand a child and help them develop into adults. Any student wanting to attend this program will be able to work with children anywhere in the United States. Even if they aren’t going to major in this field they can use this to be a psychologist, psychiatrist, or any profession involving children.
