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High School Intern Program

The Background

With the passage of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 and the advent of welfare reform, the number of parents making the transition from welfare to work has greatly increased, and there is an urgent need for quality, affordable and accessible child care.  The District of Columbia currently has approximately 350 licensed child care centers and 225 licensed homes.  Based on existing waiting lists and demographic projections, the District anticipates the need to accommodate an additional 9,500 children in child care facilities.

 

High School Intern Program Poc
To staff these centers requires an enormous effort, and the key to quality child care lies in the training and professionalism of those early care and education practitioners. The Early Childhood Leadership Institute at the University of the District of Columbia is dedicated and committed to this effort, with the full support of the Department of Human Services, Office of Early Childhood Development.  The implementation of the High School Intern Program is an important element of that effort.  Child care center directors have enthusiastically welcomed the idea of developing and training “home grown” practitioners whom they would be anxious to hire.

The High School Intern Program will serve the needs of high school students who are looking for educational opportunities and experiences that will be directly relevant to their post-secondary school life, and it will serve the needs of children and families in the District and the early care and education providers which serve them.

Program Description

The Early Childhood High School Intern Program (ECHSIP) is designed as a DCPS vocational education career pathway leading from school-to careers and college.   High school juniors and seniors who have chosen early care and education within the Health and Human Services Pathway, embark upon a prescribed course of study and experience on-the-job training.  They participate in a supervised, paid, workplace experience during the summer of their junior year and in a structured, field-based practicum during their senior year.  Students who successfully complete the Early Childhood Intern program are guaranteed employment and the opportunity to pursue an Associate of Arts degree in Child Development or a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC).  Students who have completed the Institute’s ECHSIP receive 6 credits of Practicum at UDC.

By integrating academic and occupational learning, and school-based and work-based learning, students will earn 120 clock hours in the Core Knowledge Areas of the field.  The Core Knowledge Areas are:  Human and Child Growth and Development; Observing, Recording and Assessing Children’s Behavior; Health, Safety and Nutrition; Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum; Inclusive Practices for Children with Disabilities; Guidance and Management; Learning Environments; Supportive Relationships with Children and Families and Other Community Systems; Diversity:  Family, Language, Culture and Society; Interpersonal Development and Communication; Program Operation and Evaluation; and Professionalism/Advocacy.  

The curriculum is predicated on the belief that caregivers should have training in all the areas that are essential to children’s physical, intellectual and social development, as well as training that will ensure professionalism and effective and high quality program operation.  The Core Knowledge areas will be integrated throughout the existing courses listed in the DCPS Master Course Catalogue:  Child Care Services Training I, II and III.  At the completion of the program, students will be eligible for placement at Level II of the DC Early Care and Education Professional Development Registry.  This is the equivalent level for individuals holding a Child Development Associate credential (CDA).  

An instructor is provided by the Early Childhood Leadership Institute.  She/he teaches a minimum of two weekly ninety minute or two-hour classes, at each of the participating high schools. The instructor is also be responsible for coordinating and administering the summer job placement.  The on-the-job training will occur at the school’s child care center or at a center located near the school.  Approximately 15-20 students participate at each site.
 
This program is a collaborative partnership between ECLI @ UDC, the DC Public Schools and the Department of Human Services, Office of Early Childhood Development (OECD).  Graduates will receive financial support from OECD and counseling from ECLI toward pursuing the CDA credential, or participating in the Child Development Specialist Apprenticeship Program or toward pursuing an Associate of Arts degree in Child Development and Nursery School Education.