PROGRAMS | PERSONAL SERVICES
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Individuals involved in childcare are employed in day care centers, nursery schools, elementary schools, special education programs, Head Start classes, playgrounds, recreation centers and early childhood education centers. A student graduating in this program can qualify as an assistant group supervisor in child day care centers throughout Pennsylvania. The students study all the phases of child development: physical, social, emotional and intellectual. They learn about nutrition, guidance, and discipline. They study how to help the child develop daily living skills and about the value of play, literature, music, art, math, and science in child development. Each student works independently with a combination of learning strategies used to enhance that individual’s growth. Practical experience is provided daily in the on-site childcare facility.
 | Click the image to view the Early Childhood Education Program video clip.* * requires
Adobe Flash Player |
Entry-level earnings
$8.25/hour
Career potential earnings
$10.50/hour and up
Student certifications
NOCTI - National Occupational Competency Testing Institute Certification
INSTRUCTOR
Melisa Diehm
Biography
I was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania and moved to Lancaster County in the second grade. I currently live in the Lancaster area with my daughter Brooke. I am a graduate of Immaculata University with a bachelor’s degree in family and consumer science. I hold a teaching certification in the state of Pennsylvania. I am also a licensed nail technician. I was employed at Lancaster County Career and Technology Center as the disciplinarian for six years before coming to Reading Muhlenberg CTC.
Date of hire: Spring 2007
Education
Graduate of Manheim Township High School located in Lancaster County.
Bachelor’s degree in family and consumer science with 6 post graduate credits obtained through Immaculata University.
Licensed nail technician obtained through Lancaster School of
Cosmetology.
Community Service
I am a member of FCCLA and SkillsUSA as a professional member. Through these organizations, I spend time supporting many community service projects.
Interests
I enjoy spending the majority of my free time with my daughter. Together we enjoy cooking and making crafts. I enjoy interior decorating and entertaining.
Message
Individuals who are involved in childcare have the ability to obtain positions in day care centers, nursery schools, elementary schools, special education programs, Head Start classes, playgrounds, recreation centers, and early childhood education centers. An individual completing this program will have the background needed to go into childcare as well as continue their education within Early Childhood development.
Students within this program will study all aspects of child development including the following: physical, social, emotional and intellectual development. Areas studied include guidance, discipline, nutrition, daily living skills, play, literature, music, art, math and science. Each of these areas is extremely important in the development of a young child. Students will work independently to demonstrate their gained knowledge of child development as well as demonstrating their knowledge “hands on” in the Head Start program located within the RMCTC building.