Title: (Optional) Explore childcare training and employment opportunities.
Course: Family and Consumer Sciences Exploratory III (19251-9) > Section: Applying Education and Early Childhood Concepts

Exploration should include

- CTE technical centers that offer early childhood education
- postsecondary training programs
- certified childcare programs
- dual enrollment opportunities
- apprenticeship opportunities
- scholarship opportunities.

Exploration should also include employment opportunities for positions such as

- childcare provider
- babysitter
- counselor
- teacher
- health services professional
- social services professional
- recreation specialist.

Teacher Resources:

- Child Care as a Profession, Virginia Department of Education (VDOE)
- Child Care Aware of Virginia
- Resources for 4-H Family Sciences, Virginia Cooperative Extension
- Virginia Child Care Provider Scholarship Program
- Project Pathfinders, Virginia Early Childhood Foundation

Process/Skill Questions:

Thinking

- What training and educational opportunities are available in your community?
- Why is dependability an essential skill in childcare?

Communication

- How can you use online career resources to determine training requirements and job descriptions?
- How can you safely market your childcare provider skills?
- Why is networking important?

Leadership

- How does childcare provide leadership skills applicable to future life experiences?
- How can you demonstrate leadership when working with young children or childcare management?

Management

- Would you consider a career working with children? Why or why not?
- How do you determine the fair market value and need for childcare services?