Preschool Students Talking

Early Childhood Education & Care

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Our Instructors

Natalee Heath, Instructor Level I & II
heathn@uppervalleycc.org 
937.778.1980 x272

Shelli Gooding, Paraprofessional 
goodings@uppervalleycc.org
937.778.1980 x801

Libby LongParaprofessional 
longl@uppervalleycc.org 
937.778.1980 x291 

student info

What We Do in ECEC

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Hands-On Experience

Students receive hand-on experiences with:

  • Infants & Toddlers: 0- 36 months

  • Preschoolers: 36-60+ months

Juniors

  • Courses: Early Childhood Principles; Infant, Toddler Education; Curriculum and Instruction

  • Days with Children: Tuesdays (2 - 3 years); Wednesdays and Thursdays (3 - 4 years)

Seniors

  • Courses: Health, Safety & Nutrition; Education & Training Capstone

  • Days with Children: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays (4 - 5 years). Seniors will also have other child-focused opportunities throughout the program

Field Trips

  • Early Childhood Centers in Miami County 

  • Fulton Farms

  • On-campus trip with preschool students

  • Outside trips based on children's activities

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preschoolers playing outdoor with water

Skills Learned

Classroom 

  • Create, plan and implement developmentally appropriate and open ended learning experiences.

  • Prepare record and document authentic assessment for young children in the preschool lab.

  • Prepare themed units of learning experiences and implement them with children.

  • Lead and manage large group circle and storytime experiences.

  • Lead and manage the preschool routine from drop off to pick up. Students will manage peers and children during this time.

  • Actively participate in child development skill events as a member of FCCLA.

  • Plan and create resources, modeling materials, props, and nutritious snacks for young children in the lab.

  • Plan family events for the children and families in the preschool lab.

  • Provide developmentally appropriate guidance for young children in the preschool lab.

Interpersonal

  • Work as part of a team to provide good quality learning experiences that promote creativity, discovery and exploration.

  • Be a responsive and flexible role model for preschool children in the lab.

  • Acknowledge and respond to young children’s needs and find appropriate strategies to meet them.

  • Give clear and appropriate directions and instructions.

  • Communicate and interact with children, parents, and teachers while operating a state-licensed preschool.

" I love that this program gives me more experience with children and teaches me how to become a great teacher when I graduate. I love working with children and watching them learn new skills and grow throughout the time they are with us."

Career Development

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Career Pathways

  • Child Care Center Teacher Assistant

  • Family and Home Child Care Provider

  • Preschool Assistant

  • Nanny

  • Elementary Teacher Assistant

  • Infant/toddler Teacher Assistant

  • Elementary Teacher

Job Prospects

Locally Early Childhood Centers are in need of credentialed employees so that qualification requirements can be met for Step Up To Quality. Pay ranges from minimum wage (with a HS Diploma) to $14.37 with a CDA.

Employment of preschool teachers is projected to grow 10 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. 

- Bureau of Labor and Statistics, April 2018 

Work-Based Learning Opportunities

Students who qualify have the opportunity to participate in one of three options for career development during their senior year. All three programs allow students to work within their career field while attending school on a modified schedule, so you they gain skills, experience and competitive wages. Learn more here!

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College & Advanced Education

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College Credits

  • Edison State Community College

  • Clark State Community College

  • Hocking College

Certifications Earned

  • First Aid Certification

  • CPR Certification

  • Child Abuse Prevention

  • Child Development Associate Credential (CDA)

Volunteering & Partnerships

  • Mothers of Preschoolers Group

  • Council on Rural Services

  • Early Beginnings, Troy

  • Greene Street, Piqua

  • Play, Learn, Grow, Piqua

  • YMCA Chidcare, Piqua

UVCC Prechool

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The Upper Valley Career Center's Early Childhood Education and Care program operates the state-licensed preschool for children ages 2 - 5 years old under the direction of one vocational teacher and two paraprofessionals.

The preschool is licensed by the Department of Education and aligns with the State of Ohio's Early Learning Standards. ECEC students gain experience working with young children by planning and implementing the preschool curriculum.

Learn More about UVCC's Preschool

High School student teacher with young preschool student reading a book