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The DCF Regional School Atlantic Campus is an alternative secondary school designed to meet the needs of youth in transition. This school enrolls individuals from 9th through 12th grade who want to complete their education and earn a high school diploma. A wide variety of supplemental and support services, such as transportation and meals, are available for students. 

An exciting new program offered at this school is the Child Development career and technical education program of study. This program includes four foundational courses and a practicum where students engage in hands-on experiences working with young children at their school’s on-site nursery.  Jean Piaget’s theory of child development, emphasizing that children learn through play and exploration, is foundational to this early childhood program.  Students enrolled in this program of study can also earn the Child Development Association (CDA) Tier II industry-valued credential from the Council for Professional Recognition.  The CDA Credential™ is the most widely recognized credential in early childhood education and provides a foundation to advance in the field of early childhood education.  

The program requires participating students (junior or senior) to complete 120 clock hours of professional early childhood education, covering the growth and development of children (setting specific), with no fewer than 10 hours in each of the Council for Professional Recognition’s eight CDA® subject areas.  

• Planning a safe and healthy learning environment
• Advancing children’s physical and intellectual development
• Supporting children’s social and emotional development
• Building productive relationships with families
• Managing an effective program operation
• Maintaining a commitment to professionalism
• Observing and recording children’s behavior
• Understanding principles of child development and learning 

The practicum, consisting of 480 hours of experience, is typically completed over the course of two marking periods, which is slightly more than five months. As part of this program, students also complete a CDA® Professional Portfolio.  

Through this program, students can learn valuable academic, technical and employability skills as they pursue rewarding careers in early childhood education that provide a family sustaining wage and opportunities for continued success.  

Photo 1 - DCF Regional School – Atlantic Campus  

Photo 2 - DCF Regional School Nursery  

Photo 3 - DCF Regional School Classroom