Early Childhood Education
The field of Early Childhood Education and Care is a significant industry in Massachusetts since it provides nearly 30,000 jobs and generates $1.5 billion in revenue. There are more full-time jobs in child care and early childhood than in telecommunications and computer manufacturing and four times the number employed by the Big Dig. Job opportunities in the Early Education and Care field are expected to increase at a higher than average rate through the year 2012.
The Early Childhood Education and Teaching program at Worcester Technical High School is designed to provide the necessary training and education for students to enter the field of Early Education and Care. The Curriculum is designed to prepare students to achieve the qualifications of the Department of Early Education and Care. This certification encompases the pre-school/infant/toddler teacher in a private center as well as the courses necessary for a high school diploma and entrance to college. In addition, Early Childhood majors may participate in the Tech Prep program earning college credit while attending high school.
Students majoring in Early Childhood Education and teaching learn through actual experience in our on-site lab pre-school. The Pre-School at WTHS is a Worcester Public Schools pre-school providing early education to children in the city of Worcester who will be 4 years of age by December 31st of the school year they would enter. Families who would like to access the pre-school for their children may register at the Parent Information Center at 768 Main St. Interested families may set up a visit to our pre-school by calling 508-799-1967.
Program Summary
ECE is comprised of three interrelated curricula: Child growth and development, Early Childhood curriculum design and a laboratory pre-school/internship experience. Students use the information gained in child growth and development and apply it to prepare activities for the children they teach in the laboratory pre-school and internships in the city of Worcester. The ultimate goal is to prepare the students office for care child services qualification as a preschool/infant/toddler teacher in a private early care and education program as well as a variety of other career opportunities involving working with children. The curriculum is designed to prepare students to enter the workforce upon graduation as well as gain college admission for further education.
Opportunities
Membership in Skills USA
All students ECE are eligible to participate in Skills USA. Skills USA is an international organization for vocational/technical students designed to further their professional skills and develop pride and their chosen field.
Tech-Prep Program
The Early Childhood education department has developed articulation with area colleges to grant college credit for ECE course work completed at WVHS.
Internships/Co-op sites
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UMASS/Memorial Child Care Services at Lincoln Village
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Guild of St. Agnes Day Care Center
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UMASS/Memorial Child Care Services at Memorial
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Chestnut Nursery and Kindergarten