EDU-CHA7100 - Childcare Academy: Introduction to Early Childhood Education

Course Description

The Child Care Academy is an intensive two-week workforce development program that prepares participants for immediate employment in licensed early childhood settings. The Academy integrates the EDU 3119: Introduction to Early Childhood Education curriculum with required NC DCDEE health and safety trainings, hands-on skill development, and career readiness support. Through classroom instruction, state-approved trainings, and competency-based activities, students gain foundational knowledge of child development, health and safety, positive guidance, family engagement, ethical practice, and professional expectations in the early childhood field.

Participants who successfully complete all components earn the NC Early Childhood Credential (upon state verification), along with multiple stackable certificates (ITS/SIDS, CPR/First Aid, Playground Safety, and more).

Course Outline

Week 1

Day 1 – Introduction & Health/Safety Foundations (6 hours)

• History of Childcare in North Carolina

• Regulatory roles and responsibilities; introduction to NC DCDEE requirements

• NCID creation & Criminal Background Check overview

• DCDEE Health & Safety modules (in-class + assignments outside of class)

Day 2 – Professionalism in Early Childhood (6 hours)

• Professional conduct and ethical practices

• Impact of early education on brain development

• Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP)

• Introduction to NC workforce expectations

Day 3 – Infant/Toddler Health & Safety (6 hours)

• ITS/SIDS Training (2 hours)

• CPR/First Aid Certification (4 hours)

• Safe sleep and emergency response practices

Day 4 – Relationships, Mindfulness, & Trauma-Informed Care (6 hours)

• Mindfulness and educator self-care (2 hours)

• Building positive relationships with children and families

• Trauma-informed support strategies (2 hours)

• Ethical decision-making

Day 5 – Social-Emotional Development & Behavior Support (6 hours)

• Pyramid Model overview (2 hours)

• Positive guidance strategies (2 hours)

• PCANC (Prevent Child Abuse NC) Training

• Foundational behavior intervention approaches

Week 2

Day 6 – NC Foundations for Early Learning & Development (NC FELD) (6 hours)

• Domains of development

• Age-period expectations

• Goals and developmental indicators

• Connection to NC Standard Course of Study

Day 7 – Activity & Environment Planning (6 hours)

• Activity planning and daily schedules

• Room arrangement and learning environment design

• Strategies for culturally, linguistically, and ability-diverse learners

Day 8 – Safety Procedures & Special Trainings (6 hours)

• Playground Safety Training (2 hours)

• Fire Safety (1 hour)

• Bloodborne Pathogens (1 hour)

• BSAC (Before & After School Age Care) Training (2 hours)

Day 9 – Professionalism Continued & Career Preparation (6 hours)

• Resume development and interview preparation

• Career pathways in early childhood education

• Financial aid, scholarship, and continuing education opportunities

Day 10 – Career Launch & Graduation (6 hours)

• Mock interviews with employers

• Review and completion of professional development plans

• Program evaluations and graduation ceremony

Learner Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Child Care Academy, participants will be able to:

Foundational Knowledge

1. Describe the history, purpose, and regulatory structure of early childhood education in North Carolina.

2. Demonstrate understanding of NC DCDEE rules, health and safety requirements, and licensing expectations for childcare settings.

Health, Safety & Emergency Response

3. Apply safe sleep procedures for infants following ITS/SIDS guidelines.

4. Perform CPR/First Aid skills according to state-approved certification requirements.

5. Identify and implement essential health, safety, and emergency protocols, including playground safety, fire safety, and bloodborne pathogen procedures.

Child Development & Learning

6. Explain the domains, goals, and developmental indicators outlined in the NC Foundations for Early Learning & Development (NC FELD).

7. Develop developmentally appropriate activities and daily schedules aligned with NC FELD and program standards.

8. Create inclusive learning environments that meet the needs of culturally, linguistically, and ability-diverse children.

Social–Emotional Support & Behavior Guidance

9. Apply Pyramid Model principles to support children’s social-emotional development.

10. Implement positive guidance and behavior intervention strategies to address challenging behaviors.

11. Demonstrate trauma-informed approaches to support children and families.

Professional Skills & Career Readiness

12. Exhibit professional conduct, ethical practice, and reflective awareness consistent with early childhood workforce expectations.

13. Prepare a professional resume, participate in mock interviews, and identify employment pathways within early childhood education.

14. Develop a personalized professional development plan to support continued growth in the field.

Family & Community Engagement

15. Build positive, culturally responsive relationships with children, families, and community partners.

16. Demonstrate effective communication strategies that foster trust, collaboration, and family engagement.