ECD 115 - Introduction to School Age Programs

Students must have three current clearances: FBI Fingerprint Clearance, a Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Clearance, and a Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare Child Abuse History Clearance and meet the local requirements of the field placement site, including the National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR) Verification Clearance. This course is aligned with competencies required for the PA School Age Professional Credential.

1. Define the field of school-age care.
2. Describe the characteristics and needs of the school-age child.
3. Identify techniques for communicating with school-age children and their families.
4. Describe techniques for classroom management, guiding behavior and promoting self-esteem and self-discipline.
5. Plan developmentally appropriate schedules, learning opportunities and environments for after-school/out-of-school programs.
6. Identify indicators of quality for after-school/out-of school programs.
7. Research managerial functions for organizing and managing after-school and out-of-school programs.
8. Identify standards of ethical and professional practice.
9. Develop a plan for school-age practitioner professional development.
10. Construct a National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards-based portfolio with appropriate artifacts.

 Listed Topics

1. Defining the field
2. The school-age child: characteristics and needs
3. After school/out-of-school environments
4. After-school/out-of-school curriculum and programming
5. Guidance and communication techniques that promote social/emotional growth and development
6. Working with parents and families
7. School-age program management
8. Professionalism and staff development

• Communication
• Information Literacy

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