Early Childhood Education Intern

As part of the student's educational and training program, the student will complete relevant coursework and be embedded with a mentor teacher at The Acorn School for scheduled career-based learning hours. At the childcare center, the student will work alongside qualified early childhood educators and staff to learn about child development, classroom practices, professional responsibilities, and careers in education.

The student serves in a supporting and learning capacity and will perform assigned activities under the direction and supervision of designated early education professionals. The student will not independently assume responsibility for the supervision, safety, or care of children.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

Essential Learning Experiences and Responsibilities
 

Under appropriate supervision and consistent with the student's training, experience, and applicable program and facility requirements, the student may:

• Assist teachers and early childhood professionals with age-appropriate classroom activities, learning experiences, and daily routines.

• Help prepare classroom materials, learning centers, educational activities, and supplies. 

• Assist with classroom organization, cleaning, sanitizing, and maintaining a welcoming and safe learning environment.

• Observe experienced educators and learn effective strategies for classroom management, positive guidance, child engagement, and developmentally appropriate instruction.

• Support children during classroom transitions, meals or snacks, outdoor activities, and other routine activities when directed and appropriately supervised by center staff.

• Learn to recognize developmental milestones and understand how educators support children's cognitive, physical, social, emotional, and language development.

• Practice effective communication, teamwork, reliability, time management, and other professional workplace skills.

• Attend required orientation, training, coaching, and Career-Based Learning activities.

• Follow the policies and procedures of the Career-Based Learning program, The Acorn School and VCFC.

• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and protect the privacy and confidentiality of children and families.

• Follow all health, safety, sanitation, emergency, and child-protection procedures applicable to the placement.

• Immediately report concerns involving a child's health, safety, or well-being to the designated supervising staff member in accordance with training and applicable procedures.

• Perform other age-appropriate and educationally relevant duties as assigned by the supervising teacher or center leader.

Supervision and Scope of Responsibility:

Because this position is designed as a student learning experience, the Career-Based Learning Student will work under the supervision and direction of qualified staff at the early education facility.

The student will not be assigned sole or independent responsibility for a classroom or group of children and will not be used as a substitute for required qualified staff where prohibited by applicable licensing requirements, the Career-Based Learning program requirements, or VCFC policy.

The facility supervisor is responsible for determining which activities are appropriate for the individual student based on the student's age, training, demonstrated competency, and applicable requirements.

Schedule and Hours:

This is a part-time Career-Based Learning position requiring less than 30 hours per week.
The student's work schedule will be coordinated among the student, the Career-Based Learning program and VCFC and is intended to complement the student's academic schedule. The student will complete designated coursework as part of the Career-Based Learning program and travel to The Acorn School childcare center for scheduled Career-Based Learning hours.

Work hours must comply with applicable child labor requirements, and the operating needs of VCFC.

Qualifications:

The student must:

• Be enrolled in and fully meet eligibility requirements for participation in the Career-Based Learning program.

• Demonstrate an interest in education, early childhood development, teaching, child care, or a related service profession.

• Demonstrate reliability, professionalism, patience, maturity, and a willingness to learn.

• Be able to communicate respectfully and appropriately with children, families, teachers, supervisors, and other employees.

• Follow instructions and accept coaching and feedback from supervising professionals.

• Meet applicable Career-Based Learning program, VCFC, and regulatory requirements for placement in an early education environment.

• Complete any required orientation, training, health documentation, background or eligibility requirements applicable to the student's age and placement.

Knowledge and Skills Developed:

Through this Career-Based Learning experience, the student will have opportunities to develop:

• Understanding of early childhood development and developmentally appropriate educational practices.

• Foundational teaching and classroom-support skills.

• Positive communication and relationship-building skills.

• Understanding of child health, safety, and supervision practices.

• Classroom organization and activity-preparation skills.

• Professional communication and workplace etiquette.

• Teamwork and collaboration.

• Time management, dependability, and accountability.

• Problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

• Awareness of professional ethics, confidentiality, and appropriate boundaries.

• Greater understanding of career pathways in early childhood education, K–12 education, and related teaching and service professions.