Early Childhood Education

Hours: 288 hours of classroom instruction, online component included & 4000 on-the-job training hours under the supervision of a journeyperson
Cost:Tuition free for those who meet the following qualifications:

  • 18 years of age or older
  • Verified high school diploma or GED
  • Completion of DCF 45-hour State Training
  • Working full-time in a child care facility

Testing Requirements: None
Mission: The mission of the Early Childhood Education program is to offer high quality training that prepares individuals for employment, enables those currently employed to upgrade job skills for career advancement, and respond to the educational needs of the child care industries in the Center’s service area.

Early Childhood Education Master Plan of Instruction

What you’ll learn:

  • Rules and regulations which govern child care
  • Planning, establishing & maintaining a safe, clean & healthy learning environment
  • Identifying & reporting child abuse & neglect in accordance with state regulations
  • Identifying & applying principles of child development
  • Developmentally appropriate practices for serving young children
  • Guidance & observation skills related to child care
  • Intercommunication with family & the community
  • Professionalism, leadership, & organizational skills
  • Curriculum development & classroom management
OCP Course Number Course Title Course Length
A V20021R  Apprentice 2000 hrs
B V20021R Apprentice 2000 hrs

Industry Certifications

  • Child Care Development specialist

Employment Opportunities:

  • Child care worker/teacher
  • Public school teacher aide
  • Child care development specialist
  • School age caregiver/site coordinator
For information regarding Director Credential (child care center owner/operator/director) view the Child Care Center Operations program page.

Starting Salaries:

Vary, ranging from $8.50 to $12.00 per hour*
*Based on local industry information

Recent Employers of Graduates:

  • Numerous schools and child care centers throughout Lake & Sumter Counties

Placement Rate* – 98.08%
Completion Rate* – 98.11%
Licensure Pass Rate* – N/A

For employment information, visit http://www.onetonline.org
*Data as reported to COE and is updated annually in December of each calendar year.

Required Book List

  1. Books are provided to students on loan

Steps to Enroll

  1. Complete the online application
  2. Pick up Early Childhood Apprenticeship registration packet at LTC (call 352.589.2250, x115 to have the documents emailed)
  3. Schedule an appointment with the instructor when packet is complete (a copy of current driver’s license or photo ID and high school diploma or it’s equivalent must be included)
  4. Registration will be complete when all required documents have been received and reviewed
  5. Complete the new student orientation online prior to the first day of class

Online Component

This class has an online component. The following are the minimum computer requirements:
Operating Systems:

  • Microsoft Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, XP, Vista, 7
  • Macintosh OS X
Web browsers:
  • MS Internet Explorer version 5.5 or above
  • Netscape 6x or above
  • Mozilla/Firefox
  • Apple Safari version 1x or above

Instructor