Child Development/Playschool
There is a growing need for excellent child care professionals in the marketplace. When you think about it, most people at some time in their adult lives, will need information about and experience with children.
Child Care providers assist with the developmental-appropriate activities for children. These activities encourage socialization, cooperation, building self-esteem as well as introducing basic concepts of numbers, colors, shapes, etc.
The greatest need now and in the future is for the truly dedicated professionals in early childhood. Early childhood professionals recognize 0-4 years of age as critical in a child's development. Child care professionals work hard to overcome the notion that caring for children is easy and the much undeserved reputation of "glorified babysitters."
Kankakee Area Career Center's (KACC) Child Development/ Playschool program offers a unique opportunity for training, experience and time with children. Our students learn a variety of necessary skills in the childcare field. In addition to developing professional skills, students have an opportunity to develop observation and analytical skills, competency in basic principals of child growth and development, engage in hands-on experiences with 3, 4 and 5-year olds in the on site childcare lab and actively participate in planning and implementing activities within the lab environment.
KACC's students gain skills and knowledge in areas such as guiding the behavior of children, observing and recording behavior, child growth and development, preschool operation, safety procedures, preparing lesson plans, and first-aide knowledge and are exposed to a variety of career profiles. The student plans and implements activities in the preschool, acting as both a teaching team member and as a leader, both of which are important to anyone in today's workforce.
Successful second-year students are even given the opportunity to gain experience through an internship/job shadowing program within the childcare field at an assigned locally-owned day care facility.
Dual Credit Opportunities: Beecher High School and Crete-Monee High School Students have an opportunity to earn 3 dual credit hours for ECED 105, Creative Activities for Children.
Career Opportunities
| Child Care worker/Instructor | Preschool Teacher | Child Care Manager/Administrator |
| Child Care Attendant/Aide | Child Care Consultant | Infant & Toddler Care Worker |
| Child Development Researcher | Child Life Specialist | Child Care-Private Home (Nanny) |
| Curriculum Development | Resource & Equipment Sales | Family or Center Child Care Owner |
| Resource & Referral Network | Children's Advocate | Training Other Child Care Workers |
Helpful High School Courses
| Foods & Nutrition | Family Living | Child Care Orientation |
| Child Development | Introduction to Business | Sociology |
| Basic Math | English | Speech |
Personal Qualities
| Patience and Emotional Stability | Ability to Handle Medium Physical Activity |
| Ability to Communicate/Get Along With Others | Ability to Plan and Organize |
| Warm Personality | Good Health |
| Enjoyment and ability to work with children | Skills to care for young children |
