
Early Childcare
Career Center
About Us.....🏫
This combination class of the Colorado Preschool Program and High School age students is a premiere class on the Western Slope. Instruction occurs within the preschool classroom in areas of safety, child development, cognitive, social/emotional, and physical growth of preschool age children High School students work directly with preschool while implementing a "hands-on" approach. Advanced students can be placed in internship roles in the community while they work on their Child Development Associate Certification, a nationally accepted certificate in child care.
Have you ever thought about working with young children? Consider what it would be like to raise children? Then this is the class for you!
This program (ECP) combines direct experience of working with young children (3-4 year olds) in a Colorado State licensed preschool.
You will have instruction in safety, child development, parenting, careers in early childcare, nutrition, snack preparation, first aid, health, and curriculum planning.
Advanced students may be eligible for placement at a training work site in a preschool, childcare center or other related business in Mesa County.
Students are encouraged through internship programs to apply for jobs in the early childcare field in Mesa County. Advanced students will be given opportunity to earn college level credits.
Along with ELA and Math credits.
Industry Credentials: ServSafe Managerial, Food Handlers Card
Program Purpose
The program includes a School District 51 preschool training lab for working directly with young children.
Students learn to work as aides and helpers in the preschool and are under supervision of the instructor and the preschool director. The preschool is licensed by the State of Colorado Department of Human Services. Facilities are inspected annually by the Mesa County Health Department and the Grand Junction Fire Department.
Intent
The intent of the Early Childcare Professions program is to provide instruction and hands-on-work experience to students in the care and guidance of young children as well as for basic employability skills.
Program Goals
A) Develop skills and competencies to be employable as helpers and aides in child care centers and related businesses and educational settings.
B) Acquire basic employability skills which will be useful and relevant to any employment situation.
C) Acquire useful knowledge and experience to increase individual parenting skills.
D) Build self-esteem to achieve greater learning, happiness, and over all personal success in life.
Teacher Cadet Program
Designed to provide high school students with hands-on experience in the classroom and insight into the world of teaching.
The course provides: Mini-teaching internships, Professional shadow experience. Observations of learners at all age groups, Information and support from D51 educators on career opportunities in the field of education, and a nationally accepted certificate in child care
Program Benefits:
Relevant field experience in the educational setting (D51 classrooms and programs of all levels). Off-site observation hours for CDA Portfolio Complete Professional Portfolio. Opportunities for dual credits, high school credits and college credits. CDA preparation and exam. (CDA-Child Development Associate Certification)
2935 North Avenue
Grand Junction CO 81504
(970)254-6000