Advanced Career Education (ACE) Center at Highland Springs

ACE @ Highland Springs Instructors: P. Biggs, K. Vining, A. Lambert, J. Por

State Course Title: Early Childhood, Education, and Services I, Early Childhood, Education, and Services II.

Parent Handbook

Do you have a passion for nurturing young minds and helping them discover the world? Do you want to make a positive difference in the lives of children and their families? If so, you might want to consider a career in early childhood education. Early childhood educators are essential for the development and well-being of children. They create safe and stimulating environments where children can learn, play, and grow. Early Childhood Education can also help you pursue your dream of becoming a schoolteacher.

This course is ideal for students interested in nurturing and elevating preschool-aged children socially, emotionally, and academically. Students enrolled in this two-year program will be provided with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the field of education. Included in this course of study are: human growth and development, healthy and safe environments, age-appropriate skills and activities, lesson planning, classroom management, and best practices for working with young children and their families. Students enrolled in this class will work directly with preschoolers enrolled in Springer Preschool Academy, which is a full-day preschool for the children of teachers and staff in the surrounding schools.

The second-year course emphasizes professionalism in early childhood education settings. Students participate in portfolio construction and interviewing skills and will have the opportunity to gain work experience in the community during their senior year. Students will work towards obtaining industry certifications applicable to Early Childhood Education fields. Personal growth and leadership opportunities are provided through the student organization FCCLA.

Students have the opportunity to become certified in the following field(s):

Early Childhood Education And Services I

• Early Childhood Basic

Early Childhood Education And Services Il

• Early Childhood Advanced

• ParaPro Certification

• Workplace Readiness

The cost to take the certification test is paid for by Henrico County Public Schools.

For questions, please contact the class specialist through their page.

Please see your counselor or instructor if you have questions.

• Click here for the employment outlook for childcare workers.

• Click here for Employment Outlook for preschool teachers

• Click here for the employment outlook for kindergarten teachers

 (According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook)

Parent Handbook

Published: May 21, 2024. Click here to listen. In our latest episode, we visit with Jennie Por, Early Childhood Education II Instructor, Maya Carroll, Early Childhood student, LaRonda Mason, Family, and Consumer Science Education Specialist, and talk about The ACE Center at Highland Springs Early Childhood Education program and the lab which is a working daycare center known as Springer Preschool Academy. Of course, we also discuss Jennie’s recent award, Teacher of the Year!