As a part of District 230’s commitment to enhancing the field of education, a variety of courses are offered to explore various aspects of education in a variety of contexts and settings. Education courses are essential to understanding how human beings learn and understand. Our courses are designed to expose students to various careers in the field of education as well as exposure to leadership and enhancing how to help others learn and grow. There are numerous careers in the education field from Pre-K – Higher Education, psychologists, counselors, administrators, and other careers where helping others to learn is crucial. In addition, District 230 offers competitive paid internships for successful student teachers from an approved college program. The courses below offer an opportunity to explore education, and some offer a dual-credit* component.
Child Development
Grade Level: 9-12
Prerequisite: None
Semesters: 1
Credits: 0.5
Students can plan and implement activities as a group for preschool children. Students will apply classroom theory through teaching and observation in the preschool setting. The different aspects of growth and development measured include physical, intellectual, social, and emotional from conception to the age of five. Students will gain hands-on experience working with young children in a preschool setting.
Early Childhood Education
Prerequisite: Successful completion of Child Development
Grade Level: 10-12
Semesters: 2
Credits: 1
Students can teach with a partner and as an individual to support student learning by providing activities and materials that preschoolers find engaging. Students will also offer routines, classroom management, and structures in the preschool setting. Early Childhood Education will focus on an age-appropriate curriculum of math, science, social studies, art, play, field trips, and music. Students will develop a case study and evaluate the kindergarten readiness of a specific preschool child through social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development. Students will gain the qualities needed for successful employment in any career working with young children. Students may earn an ECE Credential and CPR certification pending successful completion of requirements.
Exploring Education*
Prerequisite: Introduction to Education
Grade Level: 11-12
Semesters: 1
Credits 0.5
Students will examine the various aspects of exploring education through schools as learning environments and communities. Students will explore curriculum and instructional design with an emphasis on diversity, social justice, and culturally responsive practices.
*This course may be offered as a Dual Credit option.
Internship in Education
Prerequisite: none
Grade Level: 11-12
Semesters: 1
Credit: 0.5
Students will engage in various hands-on learning experiences in the field of education based on their career interests and areas they desire to explore. Students will apply understanding from their coursework through real-world experiences with those currently in the field of education both inside and outside of the school.
This course may be eligible for dual-credit pending approval.
Introduction to Education*
Prerequisite: None
Grade Level: 11-12
Semesters: 1
Credits 0.5
Students will be introduced to the various aspects of the education profession and begin to develop an understanding of learning environments and collaborative relationships within and among schools, families, and communities.
*This course may be offered as a Dual Credit option.
Parenting
Prerequisite: None
Grade Level: 9 -12
Semesters: 1
Credits: 0.5
Students will focus on pregnancy, labor, delivery, caring for children, nurturing children, and guiding children. They will also develop skills for making decisions and thinking critically, which can be applied to all areas of their lives. Students may be able to apply knowledge and skills while working with young children in the preschool setting. In this course, students will understand different temperaments and learn to communicate and guide young children. Students will develop skills for making decisions and thinking critically, which can be applied to all areas of their lives. Students may demonstrate their knowledge of skills in the preschool laboratory setting.