Florida Department of Education
Curriculum Framework

Program Title:	Early Childhood Development Specialization
Career Cluster:	Education & Training

CCC	
CIP Number	0419070904	
Program Type	College Credit Certificate (CCC)	
Program Length	36 credit hours	
CTSO	N/A	
SOC Codes (all applicable) 	Please see the CIP to SOC Crosswalk located at the link below.	
CTE Program Resources 	http://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/career-tech-edu/program-resources.stml 	

Purpose

This certificate program is part of the Early Childhood Education AS degree program (1413121004).  

A College Credit Certificate consists of a program of instruction of less than sixty (60) credits of college-level courses, which is part of an AS or AAS degree program and prepares students for entry into employment (Rule 6A-14.030, F.A.C.).

This program offers a sequence of courses that provides coherent and rigorous content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in the Education & Training career cluster; provides technical skill proficiency, and includes competency-based applied learning that contributes to the academic knowledge, higher-order reasoning and problem-solving skills, work attitudes, general employability skills, technical skills, and occupation-specific skills, and knowledge of all aspects of the Education & Training career cluster. 

The content includes but is not limited to child development early childhood education; establishing and maintaining a safe, clean, healthy learning environment, guidance techniques and classroom management; communication; identification and reporting of child abuse and neglect; implementation of rules and regulations; nutrition; family interaction; legal and professional responsibilities, and employability skills.  Programs prepare individuals to assume major care giving, educational, and maintenance responsibilities within home or center-based programs under the supervision of a lead teacher or supervisor.  

Additional Information relevant to this Career and Technical Education (CTE) program is provided at the end of this document.

Standards

After successfully completing this program, the student will be able to perform the following:

01.0	Demonstrate knowledge of early childhood education.  
02.0	Guide physical development.  
03.0	Guide cognitive language and literacy development.  
04.0	Guide creative development.  
05.0	Guide social and emotional development.  
06.0	Demonstrate knowledge of how to positively interact with families.
07.0	Identify and report child abuse and neglect in accordance with state regulations.
08.0	Demonstrate professionalism.  
09.0	Demonstrate use of technology.  

Florida Department of Education
Student Performance Standards

Program Title:	Early Childhood Development Specialization
CIP Number:	0419070904
Program Length:	36 credit hours	

This certificate program is part of the Early Childhood Education AS degree program (1413121004).  At the completion of this program, the student will be able to:	
01.0	Demonstrate knowledge of early childhood education.  The student will be able to: 	
01.01	Describe the relationship of child development center philosophy and policy to program implementation.	
01.02	Identify contemporary models of early childhood education (i.e., Montessori, Reggio Emillia, etc.)	
01.03	Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate scheduling and program planning.	
01.04	Identify developmentally appropriate teaching techniques to meet various approaches to learning and atypical development.	
01.05	Design, construct, adapt, and use developmentally appropriate supplies and teaching materials.	
01.06	Arrange learning centers for a variety of activities.	
01.07	Recognize the importance of documenting and maintaining children’s records.	
01.08	Demonstrate knowledge of the importance of play in children’s development.	
01.09	Support and implement positive child/adult interaction.	
02.0	Guide physical development.  The student will be able to:	
02.01	Demonstrate knowledge of physical development.	
02.02	Identify and plan developmentally appropriate gross motor activities.	
02.03	Identify and plan developmentally appropriate fine motor activities.	
02.04	Identify appropriate equipment, materials, and space for physical development.	
02.05	Demonstrate knowledge of the use of appropriate adaptive equipment and positioning techniques.	
02.06	Demonstrate observation techniques related to physical development (i.e., running records, observation tools, checklists, etc.).	
03.0	Guide cognitive development.  The student will be able to: 	
03.01	Demonstrate knowledge of language, and literacy development.	
03.02	Plan developmentally appropriate language, literacy, and sensory activities.	
03.03	Plan developmentally appropriate math, science and social science activities.	
03.04	Plan problem solving activities which foster critical thinking skills.	
03.05	Recognize and utilize alternative forms of communication when necessary (non-verbal cues, body language, etc.).	
03.06	Demonstrate observation techniques related to cognitive development.	
04.0	Guide creative development.  The student will be able to:	
04.01	Demonstrate knowledge of creative development.	
04.02	Plan developmentally appropriate music, visual art, drama and creative movement activities.	
04.03	Demonstrate observation techniques related to creative development.	
05.0	Guide social and emotional development.  The student will be able to:	
05.01	Demonstrate knowledge of social and emotional development.	
05.02	Plan activities which help children to develop interpersonal skills.	
05.03	Plan developmentally appropriate self-concept activities.	
05.04	Plan developmentally appropriate activities which promote multicultural understanding.	
05.05	Plan activities which help children to gain developmentally appropriate awareness and understanding of unacceptable behaviors, promoting empathy (i.e., bullying, cultural bias, etc.).	
05.06	Plan developmentally appropriate dramatic play activities.	
05.07	Demonstrate observation techniques related to social and emotional development.	
06.0	Demonstrate knowledge of how to positively interact with families. The student will be able to:	
06.01	Recognize the family as the primary educator of the child having the ultimate approval of and primary responsibility for the care and development of the child, and support family members in the endeavor.  	
06.02	Recognize and be sensitive to varying family structures and families in transition.	
06.03	Demonstrate knowledge of the forces that have influenced the lives of children and families.	
06.04	Plan diverse and inclusive family involvement activities.	
06.05	Demonstrate interpersonal skills.	
06.06	Demonstrate positive and productive staff and family interactions.	
07.0	Identify and report child abuse and neglect in accordance with state regulations.  The student will be able to:	
07.01	Define physical abuse, physical neglect, sexual abuse, and emotional maltreatment as defined by Florida law.	
07.02	Identify the most common physical and behavioral indicators of physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional maltreatment and neglect.	
07.03	Identify the factors, multiple forces, and most common causes for child abuse and neglect.	
07.04	Explain the impact and effects of child abuse, neglect and trauma on children and their families.	
07.05	Identify current legislation that deals with child abuse and neglect.	
07.06	Explain the requirements and protection of child care workers in reporting suspected child abuse or neglect as described in Florida law.	
07.07	Identify state and local guidelines and procedures for reporting child abuse and neglect as mandatory reporters.	
07.08	Identify local community resources that provide help for the abused and the abuser.	
08.0	Demonstrate professionalism.  The student will be able to:	
08.01	Develop and defend a personal philosophy of early childhood education which is consistent with developmentally appropriate practices.	
08.02	Identify and demonstrate professional behavior including but not limited to ethics and confidentiality.	
08.03	Participate as a positive and productive team member and role model.	
08.04	Complete a self-evaluation.	
08.05	Create and implement a self-improvement plan related to professional development.	
08.06	Identify professional organizations in the field and the goals and responsibilities of their members.	
08.07	Identify resources to assist with personal, physical and mental health issues.	
08.08	Participate as an advocate for issues related to children and families.	
09.0	Demonstrate use of technology.  The student will be able to:	
09.01	Demonstrate knowledge of current technological advances for education.  	
09.02	Explain the process of obtaining supportive materials, computer programs, and equipment.	

Additional Information

Laboratory Activities

Laboratory investigations that include scientific inquiry, research, measurement, problem solving, emerging technologies, tools and equipment, as well as, experimental, quality, and safety procedures are an integral part of this career and technical program/course. Laboratory investigations benefit all students by developing an understanding of the complexity and ambiguity of empirical work, as well as the skills required to manage, operate, calibrate and troubleshoot equipment/tools used to make observations. Students understand measurement error; and have the skills to aggregate, interpret, and present the resulting data. Equipment and supplies should be provided to enhance hands-on experiences for students.

Special Notes

Students will be encouraged to participate in organizations and associated activities which are consistent with their professional goals.  These include but are not limited to Early Childhood Association of Florida, National Association for the Education of Young Children and The Council for Exceptional Children.

Accommodations

Federal and state legislation requires the provision of accommodations for students with disabilities to meet individual needs and ensure equal access. Postsecondary students with disabilities must self-identify, present documentation, request accommodations if needed, and develop a plan with their counselor and/or instructors. Accommodations received in postsecondary education may differ from those received in secondary education. Accommodations change the way the student is instructed. Students with disabilities may need accommodations in such areas as instructional methods and materials, assignments and assessments, time demands and schedules, learning environment, assistive technology and special communication systems. Documentation of the accommodations requested and provided should be maintained in a confidential file.