Entrepreneurship Academy
Early Childhood Education
Shaping Young Minds Through Care and Creativity
The Early Childhood Education program prepares students for careers working with young children while developing the communication, leadership, and teaching skills needed in professional learning environments. Students gain direct experience through classroom observation, lesson planning, and interaction with preschool-aged children in a real educational setting.
Through the onsite Little Pirates Preschool, which serves children from 4 months to 5 years old, students learn how to create safe and engaging learning environments while supporting child development through creativity, patience, and care.
Course Sequence
Students progress through a four-year sequence that builds both technical skills and business knowledge.
9th Grade
10th Grade
11th Grade
12th Grade
TBD
TBD
TBD
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Certifications
Students earn industry-recognized credentials that prepare them for careers in childcare and education.
Students may earn the following certifications through the program:
- Early Childhood Professional Certificate (E.C.P.C.)
- CPR/First Aid Certification
- DCF 45-Hour Childcare Training
Additional optional certifications may include:
- Child Development Associate (C.D.A.)
“I’ve earned my DCF certification, CPR/First Aid, and will receive my professional certificate after graduation.”
- Abigail Gallardo (12th grade)
Competitions and Achievements
Students in the Early Childhood Education program gain leadership and professional experience through FCCLA competitions and classroom-based learning opportunities.
Students in the program have earned recognition through various FCCLA District Competition Awards while continuing to build practical experience working with young children in educational settings.
Career Pathways
The Early Childhood Education program prepares students for careers focused on child development, teaching, and family support services.
Possible pathways include:
- Preschool Teacher
- Teacher Assistant
- Childcare Provider
- Center Director
- Child Development Specialist
- Family Services Professional
Students pursuing higher education may continue into degree programs such as:
- Early Childhood Education
- Child Development
- Family and Child Sciences
Students also develop transferable skills including communication, leadership, classroom management, and teamwork.
Student Voices
Learning Through Real Experience
Students regularly take on creative challenges that push their technical and artistic skills.
Projects and assignments focus on lesson planning, communication, child engagement, and developmentally appropriate teaching strategies.
“Creating lesson plans that were both educational and engaging taught me how to balance learning with creativity.”
- Quinyarda Jones (12th grade)
“At first, lesson planning was intimidating, but over time I learned how to engage students and found a sense of purpose in teaching.”
- Chloe Gorman (12th grade)
Teacher Perspective
Ms. Treshawna Wright
“The goal of the Early Childhood Education program is to prepare students for careers working with young children while building foundational professional and academic skills.”
Students gain both technical and professional skills, including:
- Creating safe learning environments
- Planning age-appropriate lessons and activities
- Managing classroom behaviors effectively
- Observing developmental milestones and concerns
- Supporting children through communication and engagement
Successful students also develop important professional traits such as leadership, responsibility, effective communication, independence, and classroom management skills.
The program prepares students for both college and career pathways through industry certifications, workplace readiness training, and professional portfolio development.
Advice for Future Students
Current students encourage future participants to embrace the responsibility and joy that comes with working with children.
Program Legacy
The Early Childhood Education program gives students the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while developing the skills needed to support children during some of the most important stages of development.
Students leave the program with professional certifications, classroom experience, and a strong foundation for careers in education, childcare, and child development services.
