The Education Studies program is designed to prepare students to become teacher assistants, daycare/early childhood providers, and/or to pursue an education program at a post-secondary institution.  The first and second-year courses promote exploration of the early stages of children and emphasize the importance of the development of early relationships and healthy brain development.   Students gain in-depth appreciation and understanding for each stage of growth.  As they advance in coursework and theory, they begin to gain classroom experience through simulations, role play, lesson plan development and strategies for teaching literacy and developing best practices in pedagogy. 

Foundations in Education is taught in year three of the program and students can earn 2 college credits through Rhode Island College.  In the final year, students can apply their skills in off-campus internships at local schools, early learning centers, and daycare centers.  This practical experience can help them identify specific grade levels and subjects they are interested in teaching.  Some basic skills students will learn and apply are:

• Infant, child and adolescent development
• Early childhood methods
• Issues in Education
• Student assessments 
• Language and literacy
• Special education and unique abilities
• Methods in Teaching
• Educational psychology

Students may compete in state contests through SkillsUSA.

Credentials:

• Paraprofessional certificate
• CPR/First Aid
• Early Childhood Certificate (Precision Exam)
• Rhode Island College 3 Credits

Examples of careers you may pursue from this program of study are Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary, secondary, special education and CTE teachers or teacher assistants, preschool & child care program directors, child care assistants/workers, child life specialists, nanny, social worker, human services and clinical development. 

Course Sequence:

Industry Partner:  Coventry Public Schools

Work-Based Learning:  Internships

Post Secondary Partner:  Rhode Island College

Career & Technical Student Organization:  SkillsUSA