Introduction to Early Childhood Education
Introduction to Early Childhood Education students explore different types of early childhood education programs and delivery models, develop safe and healthy learning environments for children, and identify the ages and stages of child development and developmentally appropriate practices that support child development from birth through age 12. Students explore balancing work and family, professionalism, and education and training requirements for multiple early childhood education career pathways during the course. Contextual instruction and student participation in co-curricular career and technical student organization (CTSO) activities will develop leadership, interpersonal, and career skills. High-quality work-based learning (HQWBL) will provide experiential learning opportunities related to students’ career goals and/or interests, integrated with instruction, and performed in partnership with local businesses and organizations.
Use this to download a zipped Common Cartridge file containing your course and resources. If your PC asks you to select an app to open the file, simply click away from the app selection window. You do not need to unzip or open the file.
You will import the file into your learning management system. For further instructions on importing your course, see the FAQ section of our website for step-by-step instructions.
Course Sequences
A combination of this course and those below, equivalent to two 36-week courses, is a concentration sequence. Students wishing to complete a specialization may take additional courses based on their career pathways. A program completer is a student who has met the requirements for a CTE concentration sequence and all other requirements for high school graduation or an approved alternative education program.
- Career, Community and Family Connections (18 Weeks)
- Career, Community and Family Connections (36 Weeks)
- Child Development and Parenting (18 Weeks)
- Child Development and Parenting (36 Weeks)
- Early Childhood, Education, and Services I (36 Weeks)
- Family and Human Services I (36 Weeks)
- Family Relations (18 Weeks)
- Family Relations (36 Weeks)
- GRADS – Family Focus (18 Weeks)
- GRADS – Family Focus (36 Weeks)
- GRADS – Work Focus (36 Weeks)
- Independent Living (18 Weeks)
- Independent Living (36 Weeks)
- Individual Development (18 Weeks)
- Individual Development (36 Weeks)
- Introduction to Virginia Teachers for Tomorrow (18 Weeks)
- Introduction to Virginia Teachers for Tomorrow (36 Weeks)
- Life Planning (18 Weeks)
- Life Planning (36 Weeks)
- Nutrition and Wellness (18 Weeks)
- Nutrition and Wellness (36 Weeks)
- Virginia Teachers for Tomorrow I (36 Weeks)
Virginia’s High Demand Occupations and Apprenticeable Occupations
Section § 2.2-2472 of the Code of Virginia requires the Virginia Board of Workforce Development (VBWD) to publish a list of jobs, trades, and professions for which a high demand for qualified workers exists or is projected. The Virginia Office of Education Economics (VOEE) collaborated with the VBWD and related stakeholders to develop the high demand occupations list. VOEE’s mission is to leverage data to inform educational programming, policy, and workforce partnerships across the Commonwealth. See also the Virginia 2024 High Demand Occupations Dashboard.
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Code, Occupation Description, and Active Apprenticeable Occupation status (Yes/No per the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry).
| SOC Code | Occupation Description | Apprenticeable Occupation |
|---|---|---|
| 119039 | Education Administrators, All Other | No |
| 252021 | Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education | No |
| 252012 | Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education | No |
| 272022 | Coaches and Scouts | No |
| 252011 | Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education | Yes |
| 253031 | Substitute Teachers, Short-Term | No |
| 399011 | Childcare Workers | Yes |
Career Clusters
| Pathway | Occupation |
|---|---|
| Administration & Administrative Support |
|
| Teaching/Training |
|
| Pathway | Occupation |
|---|---|
| Early Childhood Development & Services |
|
