Ohio's Education and Training pathway prepares students for careers working with children and learners of all ages. The program covers child development, instructional strategies, classroom management, and educational technology while emphasizing nurturing, responsive caregiving and effective teaching practices.
Students gain practical experience through laboratory preschools and childcare centers operated by career-technical centers, working directly with young children under teacher supervision. The pathway also includes training for those interested in educational support roles, tutoring, and other teaching-related careers.
Ohio faces significant shortages of qualified early childhood educators and classroom paraprofessionals, making this pathway critically important. The program prepares students for immediate employment in childcare settings while providing foundation for continued education toward teaching licenses through Ohio's colleges and universities.
Education and Training at a Glance
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Courses
6
Credentials
5
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Ohio's Education and Training pathway follows the state's Career-Technical Competency Analysis Profiles aligned with National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) standards and Ohio's Early Learning and Development Standards. Programs must prepare students for the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and meet Ohio Department of Job and Family Services childcare licensing requirements.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course | Code |
|---|---|
| Child Development | EDU001 |
| Early Childhood Education Methods | EDU002 |
| Curriculum and Instruction | EDU003 |
| Early Childhood Practicum | EDU004 |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Preschool Teacher
Entry LevelSalary range: $28,710 - $36,610
Adjusted for cost of living: $31,271
Childcare Director
ExperiencedSalary range: $25,640 - $31,200
Adjusted for cost of living: $30,748
Classroom Paraprofessional
Entry LevelAdjusted for cost of living: $34,637
Early Intervention Specialist
ExperiencedSalary range: $56,410 - $102,920
Adjusted for cost of living: $84,642
Family Childcare Provider
Entry LevelSalary range: $25,640 - $31,200
Adjusted for cost of living: $27,927
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Practicum experience in program preschools and laboratory schools. Internships with Ohio's Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) programs. Volunteer opportunities at elementary schools. Summer employment at childcare centers, camps, and recreation programs. Work experience with Head Start programs.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps Ohio CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
Ohio Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with Ohio's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Ohio standards and industry needs evolve
Related Glossary Terms
CTE Pathways
CTE Pathways are structured sequences of courses within a Career Cluster that prepare students for a specific group of related occupations. Pathways combine academic and technical instruction, providing a clear roadmap from introductory courses through advanced, specialized training aligned with industry standards and postsecondary opportunities.
ProgrammaticWork-Based Learning
Work-Based Learning (WBL) encompasses a range of educational strategies that connect classroom instruction with real workplace experiences. Activities include internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing, clinical rotations, and cooperative education, all designed to help CTE students apply technical skills in authentic industry settings.
ProgrammaticIndustry Certifications in CTE
Industry certifications in CTE are credentials issued by industry organizations or third-party bodies that validate a student's mastery of specific technical skills and knowledge. Examples include CompTIA A+, AWS Certified Welder, and ServSafe, which demonstrate career readiness to employers in ways that transcend state and district boundaries.
AssessmentCareer and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs)
Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) are national organizations that provide CTE students with opportunities for leadership development, competitive events, community service, and career preparation. Recognized CTSOs include DECA, FBLA, FFA, HOSA, SkillsUSA, and TSA, each serving students in specific career cluster areas.
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