The Early Childhood Education program when successfully completed will have the student ready to enter the field of Early Education and Care as a Certified Early Childhood Assistant (CECA). This requires a CPR/First Aid Certification, passing the NOCTI test, completion of 180 hours in the classroom as well as 180 hours of fieldwork, and completing a professional portfolio. For students who are only able to complete one year of this course, after successful completion of one year, you will be able to enter the field as an Educational Technician 1. Students will demonstrate industry competencies by adhering to guidelines outlined by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and Maine Roads to Quality (MRTQ). The course will help students build real-world teaching experience and provide a basis for the essential skills you need to make a positive influence on a child’s education and life by use of offsite field experiences in a variety of early childhood education and care settings, including learning about state licensing guidelines and running a childcare business. Common job settings for this certification include working in both public and private early childhood education classrooms, Headstart, family childcare programs, and nursery schools, as well as running your own early education and care program.
