The Prekindergarten Care and Education Program is designed to provide the educational background needed for graduates to pursue careers in preschool/childcare centers, and to meet state licensing requirements for an administrator as specified by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Licensing Rules, #5101:2-12-25. Students will be required to complete practicum experiences throughout their program in a variety of settings. Candidates will be eligible to obtain an Educational Paraprofessional or Early Childhood Associate License from the Ohio Department of Education. Students desiring to complete this degree should first check with their respective state’s department of education on their eligibility for licensure. 

This option blends the early childhood preschool courses, which stress the care of the child from birth through age 4, with early childhood education courses required by the state of Ohio. Requirements for entrance into the Prekindergarten Care and Education program include a state and federal background check. Students should reach out to their local law enforcement agency as to the steps required to successfully complete their records check. The Field Experience Handbook provides the necessary documentation and points of contact for this process. A current (not more than one year old) BCI/FBI background check must be on file at the college at the start of your field experience. 

Upon completion of the Prekindergarten Care and Education Program, the graduate will be able to:

• Apply principles of human growth, development and learning to the teaching of young children.
• Plan appropriate learning experiences for individual children and groups of children.
• Develop appropriate educational practices for young children to promote communication skills, and to foster the growth of skills in problem solving, decision making and critical thinking.
• Recognize individual needs and use appropriate teaching strategies to address children’s differences in developmental levels, ethnic backgrounds and learning styles.
• Use effective communication skills with children, families and coworkers.
• Recognize emergencies and provide appropriate first aid and CPR.
• Assist in designing an environment for child guidance, including daily program structure, to create and sustain a positive learning environment for children.
• Prevent, recognize and manage communicable diseases including the protection of child care staff members.
• Assist in initiating assistance for recognized child abuse and neglect.
• Meet the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services requirements for child daycare providers.