Early Childhood

The West Ada Career Technical Education (CTE) Early Childhood Education program is designed to prepare students for a career in the field of early childhood care and related services. Through this program, students will acquire the skills needed to support elementary age children, helping them to develop emotionally, socially and mentally throughout their primary years. This pathway of courses is most These classes are meaningful for future parents, educators, medical professionals or any human development related career.  Prospective students must pass a background check to participate and provide self-transportation to off campus child centers and related program activities.

Pathway Course Sequence:

  • Parenting and Child Development
    10th grade, full year class

  • Early Childhood Education 
    11th grade, semester class

  • Advanced Early Childhood Education
    12th grade, semester class

On-site Training!
To conclude the pathway, students will participate in an internship with a local early childhood center, as assigned by their CTE instructor.  Students will get first hand experience on day-to-day operations of a child care center including tasks like record keeping, classroom management, learning techniques as well as earn a CPR credential.

CTE Center- Meridian Campus

The Education Assistant program creates an unique academic experience for students in the pathway.  Students will take their 9th and 10th grade courses at their zoned-home high school and continue their 11th and 12th grade courses at the CTE Center-Meridian Campus. 

This center is located on the Meridian High School campus, in Meridian, Idaho.  It is a state of the art technical center, which houses the West Ada School District's auto, collision, diesel, early childhood education, welding, plant sciences and small gas engine pathways.

school

Back to CTE

The Future is Bright

students

A career in Early Childhood Education can be full of bright and rewarding experiences, as you help influence and shape a young child's life.  In addition, statistics show that the population of children in pre-kindergarten (ages 3-5), is expected to increase, creating a demand for experienced professionals.

Real Life Situations

Real Life Situations

While in this pathway, students will have an opportunity to participate in a real-care baby simulation project.  These babies function just like a newborn infant, requiring students to put their parenting skills to the test.