Early Education
The Early Education program prepares high school students for various careers in working with young children. Through in-depth academic studies in child growth and development, students gain a solid understanding of the early childhood years and a working knowledge of children in this critical stage of their development. Students also receive CPR and First Aid training and certification.
Students work directly with pre-school children within the on-campus facility as well as participate in a field-site placement practicum in the community to acquire skills and confidence in teaching.
Many graduates of this program elect to continue their education in the field of early education. Other graduates may enter the working world as a child care aide. Outstanding graduates from the Tri-County Early Education Program will be considered for certification as a fully qualified teacher through the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care. The demand for caring and well-trained child care workers from this program is continuously increasing.
Philosophy & Purpose
We recognize that the early years of a child’s life are crucial to ensure the well-adjusted development of an individual. Our program promotes the safety and well-being of the child and is designed to meet the child’s social, emotional, physical and intellectual needs at various stages of development. Special emphasis is placed on establishing each child’s sense of trust and self esteem. To help meet our goals, we offer a wide range of activities that are appropriately designed for the ages of the children we serve.
History
The Tri-County Children’s Center was established in 1977 as a training program for high school students studying early childhood education and other human service occupations.
It is a special place, serving a diverse population of young children. Tri-County students and instructors observe and participate in a variety of activities aimed at promoting the social, emotional, physical and intellectual development of each child, with particular emphasis on creating a strong sense of community among children and teachers.
Early Education
The Early Education program prepares high school students for various careers in working with young children. Through in-depth academic studies in child growth and development, students gain a solid understanding of the early childhood years and a working knowledge of children in this critical stage of their development. Students also receive CPR and First Aid training and certification.
Students work directly with preschool children at the Tri-County Children’s Center as well as participate in field-site placement practicums in the community to acquire skills and confidence in teaching.
Many graduates of the program elect to continue their education in the field of early childhood education. Other graduates may enter the working world as child care assistants. Outstanding graduates from Tri-County Early Education Program will be considered for certification as a fully qualified teacher in a day care setting through the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care. The demand for caring and well-trained child care workers from this program is continuously increasing.
Three-Day Preschool Program
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings 8:50 - 11:20 am
Child must be no younger than three years by September 15 and no older than four years nine months by December 15.
Tuition
- Three-Day Preschool Program: $36.00 per child per week
The Staff
Our staff includes three instructors, each with extensive training and experience in working with both young children and high school students. It is the role of these instructors to ensure that the high school student teachers gain the skills necessary to mature into capable child care professionals. It is under the direction of the instructors that the high school student teachers plan nd implement developmentally appropriate curriculum. Upon graduation, the high school student teachers will be equipped to work in a variety of early childhood classroom settings.
Our instructors are Michelle Tilden, Dina Taylor and Lisa Oxford.
"Play is the highest expression of human development in childhood for it is the free expression of what is in a child’s soul."
- Frederick Froebel
Career Pathways
| Skills and Competencies - Tri-County Training | Tri-County Diploma or On-The-Job Training | Two-Year or Four-YearCollege Majors |
|---|---|---|
| Establish and maintain a safe learning environment Establish and maintain a healthy learning environment Establish and maintain a high quality learning environment Identify the theories of human growth and development Facilitate the advancement of physical cognitive, social and emotional competencies Facilitate the advancement of communication and language competencies Facilitate growth and development through creative expression Establish and apply positive guidance techniques Identify the characteristic and build relationships with families Demonstrate knowledge and implement various assessment techniques Develop effective management practices Demonstrate a commitment to professional standards Apply knowledge of special education laws and regulations Hand hygiene in early care and education settings Maintaining a hygienic environment Develop & implement developmentally appropriate activities to support children’s grown & learning |
Teacher Assistant Nanny Certified Pre-School Teacher Full Day Child Care Provider Recreational Aide Family Child Care Provider |
Elementary Education Early Childhood Education Special Education Speech Pathology Psychology Sociology Human Services School Psychologist Social Work Occupational Therapy Education (any/all grade levels) Guidance Counselor Criminal Justice Public Policy
Child Life Specialist |
Certifications: MA Dept. of Early Education and Care, Teacher Certification, First Aid/CPR/AED General Industry OSHA 10-hour card, Life is Good Play Makers Certification
Articulation Agreements: Massachusetts Community Colleges, Community College of RI, Fisher College