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Early Childhood Education

Early Childhood Education

Pathway Overview

Early Childhood Education is a pathway that provides hands-on learning opportunities for students who are interested in education and services or working with children in another occupation. Topics covered in the courses include human growth and development (prenatal-age 12), appropriate and optimal care, safety, health, and wellness for children, and preparation for  classroom teaching through a practicum. The practicum offers a student in the Early Childhood Education career pathway a field experience under the direct supervision of a certified early childhood educator (mentor teacher).

Students will get real-world experience in all three courses through our local early childhood classrooms. Upon completion of the pathway, students may sit for the end of pathway assessment (EOPA).

Required Courses

Course 1: Early Childhood Education I

Course 2: Early Childhood Education II

Course 3: Early Childhood Education III or Early Childhood Education Practicum

   


Instructor

I am Laura Ringer, the Early Childhood Education Instructor at Greene College and Career Academy!

The 2022-23 school year is my 4th year as an educator in the Greene County School System, and my first year of teaching Early Childhood Education (ECE). I am excited to start ECE as my educational background lends itself well to this pathway! I also took these classes when I was in high school. I earned my Master of Arts in Teaching in Workforce Education with a Family and Consumer Sciences emphasis in 2021, and my Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Science in 2016, both from the University of Georgia.

My professional background prior to education consisted of working in outreach and education in a healthcare center setting. I also have experience working in a childcare center and helping children in many different volunteer roles. Before starting the ECE pathway, I taught Introduction to Career Competencies, a class for 9th grade students transitioning to high school. Students were taught about the CTAE classes in our school and what pathways and future careers would best fit students’ interests and aptitudes.