Program Information

The Department of Early Childhood Education at First Coast Technical College has been training adults and high school students for employment in the childcare profession since 1986. The programs offered at First Coast Technical College are designed to prepare students for entry into the job market or to give students opportunities to improve knowledge and skills for advancement in their current employment.

Early Childhood Professional Certificate (ECPC) (formerly CDA-E)

The Early Childhood Professional Certificate (ECPC) program is designed to provide early childhood professionals with the coursework needed to extend their personal and professional knowledge in early childhood education.

Classes during both the Fall and Spring terms.

Eligibility Requirements:

• 9.0 or above on the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE)

• Completed 30 Hour Introduction to Childcare Part I

• Completed 10 Hour Preschool Appropriate Practices

• Completed 5 Hour Emergent Literacy for VPK Instructors or Emergent Literacy Birth to Age 3

• High School Diploma or GED

• Document 480 Hours of working with children (while registered in program)

Child Care Center Operations (Director’s Course)

Child Care Center Operations is a course at First Coast Technical College, initiated by the Florida Department of Children and Families and the Florida Children’s Forum, to upgrade the quality of childcare centers and directors. Childcare center directors or those individuals wanting to become center directors may choose this foundation-level training which focuses on leadership, management, financial issues and child development. This 45 hour training will satisfy the coursework required to achieve the State of Florida Director’s Credential.

Classes during both the Fall and Spring terms.

• Prerequisite: Earned Early Childhood Professional Certificate (ECPC) formerly known as the CDA-E.

• Coursework content satisfies the ECPC (former CDA-E) 5year renewal requirements.

• Courses are offered in the Fall and Spring terms.

• To register or for additional information call (904) 547-3433 or visit www.myflorida.com/childcare/training.

Staff Credential Renewal Coursework/Director’s Renewal Coursework

The Department of Children and Families requires staff credentials (ECPC or Director’s Credential) to be renewed every five years. FCTC provides a series of courses designed to meet the training needs of Early Childhood Professionals. For additional information call (904) 547-3433.