• Develop better language, math, and social skills, which help them succeed in school.
• Are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college.
• Are less likely to get involved in crime and delinquency.
• The nurturing and educational experiences that children get in their early years builds a foundation for success - in school and beyond.

• Practicum Component – Hands on experience
• Theory Component – Safety, Sanitation, & Hygiene, Discipline & Guidance, Anti-bias, etc.
• Communication Skills
• Leadership & Teamwork
• Professionalism & Employability Skills
• Decision making, Problem Solving, & Critical Thinking
• Information Technology Applications
• Children’s Rights
• Ethics & Legal Responsibilities
• Curriculum Planning

• Meet the requirements for the DSHS Criminal Clearance & Background Check
  • Individuals who have a history of violent behavior both physical and/or verbal, fights, inappropriate touching, sexual abuse, and/or violent outbursts would not be candidates for this program.
• Complete TB Skin Test
• 10th Grade Reading Level
• Instructor approval

Industry is in desperate need of workers who are able to effectively communicate with other team members, be responsive, contribute to the group, and be both leaders and followers.

Employers also say,  “Even if graduates have academic and teamwork skills, that’s still not enough. What we’re looking for are people with…” 

They need people who will show up for work every day and be on time, who are responsible, demonstrate flexibility, show initiative and have career plans.

Employers said, “If there were people who could show us the needed academic, teamwork, and personal management skills – they would be the people we’d want to hire.

Early Childhood Educational Assistant Class Syllabus

Instructor: Linda Hupka
Phone: (360)473-0567
E-mail: linda.hupka@bsd.wednet.edu

Competencies:

The ECEA competencies are a set of skills that you will be learning while in this class. It is important for you to be sure that you know where you are in achieving these competencies at all times.

Grading:

90-100% (A) Excellent Work – Students must develop and be current with their Portfolio in order to receive an A in this class.

80- 89%(B) Good Work – Must earn a minimum of a (C) average in order to receive certification in this class.

70- 79% (C) Meets Minimum - Course standards.

60- 69% (D) Passing - Some required skills.

0- 59% (F) Failing

Employability Skills: 40%
Child Care Practicum/ Leadership: 20%
Classroom Assignments: 20%
Portfolio Assessment: 20%

Absences:

This is a hands-on training program therefore, attendance and punctuality are critical. Absences will adversely affect a student’s progress. Poor attendance, arriving late, and/or leaving early are all indications of poor work ethic and can lead to lowering of the Employability scores. Students have a very difficult time keeping up with the coursework if they are not here. They also miss valuable practical experience in our child-care center. Students are required to call the instructor when they are absent.

Tech Prep:

Students who receive a “B” or above, both semesters/all three trimesters, are eligible to receive up to 14 college level credits in the Early Childhood class. Students must consistently carry a minimum of 85% for the entire year. No exceptions.

Equivalency Credit:

Students may be eligible to earn 90 hrs (1/2 credit) in English and/or 90 hrs (1/2 credit) in Art. This would be in place of elective credit. This credit will only be granted upon completion of specific assignments. Simply passing the class does not insure that the Equivalency Credit requirements are met. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure that they complete the requirements for Equivalency Credit . For more information please contact the instructor. *Note: Some school districts do not allow Equivalency Credit. Please check with your high school counselor for approval prior to enrolling.

Portfolio:

Students will be developing a Career Portfolio throughout the year. The portfolio is a very important aspect of this training program and it is required. The students will be provided with a 1½” white, clear-view binder. This binder must be kept in immaculate condition. If the student loses the binder, they will be required to purchase another one and to replace any of the portfolio assignments that were in it.

Practicum:

The Practicum/Lab experience is the student’s hands-on participation in the Child Care Facility, West Hills, or other alternative sites. Participation in the lab experience is mandatory. Absences from the practicum sites will result in a low grade – students must be there in order to receive credit.

Early Childhood Educational Assistant Fact Sheet
Career Cluster: Health & Social Services

Helpful attributes and abilities of student:

Some required attributes and abilities of the Early Childhood student include: enjoy young children, good problem solving & decision-making skills and strong oral and written communication skills.

Length of program:

Program is open entry, which means a student may start at any time depending on space available. Students need at least 1 year for minimum skill development.

Sessions Offered:

Session I – 8-10:30 am
Session II – 11:10 am-1:40 pm
Alternating days for Peninsula, Gig Harbor and South Kitsap or customized as needed.

Equivalency credits available:

Art, English

*Note: Some school districts do not allow Equivalency Credit. Please check with your high school counselor for approval prior to enrolling.

Articulation:

Olympic College – ECE 115 (2 credits); ECE 170 (3 credits), ECE 184 (3 credits), ECE101 (3 credits), ECE 151A (3 credits)

Industry Certification:

S.T.A.R.S -Washington State Training & Registry System

Industry standards used:

National Association for the Education of Young Children

Course Description:

Students learn the developmental stages of children from birth to 6 years old. The focus of the learning outcomes are on: language development, health, safety & nutrition, discipline techniques, importance of play/creativity, setting up a child-centered environment, curriculum development and lesson planning, documentation and observations. Students gain hands-on experience with infants, toddlers and preschoolers in individual and group settings in the on-campus child development center.

Related Careers:

Child care attendant/teacher’s aide or nanny
Preschool teacher/director
Social worker/child psychologist/pediatrician/audiologist
Elementary teacher or children’s librarian
Nurse/midwife or homemaker

“A group becomes a team, when all members are sure enough of themselves and their contribution, to praise the skills of each other.” -By Norman G. Shidle

Printable Documents	Word	PDF
Early Childhood Educational Assistant Course Syllabus
ECEA Program Fact Sheet - Coming Soon!