Throughout our program, students have the opportunity to enroll in different Practicum courses which will give the student hands-on experiences in a children's program. These courses require weekly lab hours in addition to the seminar. There are also specific requirements to complete the lab hours in an early care and education (childcare) program. The requirements listed below are necessary in order to arrange lab hours. Upon enrollment, the instructor will notify students of these requirements and how to complete.
Requirements check list to be completed prior to first class:
- Meet all pre/co-requisites with a C grade or better prior to enrolling in course
- Up to date with the following immunizations: Influenza†, Pertussis, and Measles. Some childcare programs may also require vaccination against COVID-19.
- Current TB test within the last year
- Copy of driver's license
- Gain fingerprint clearance through Community Care Licensing using the form provided by the instructor upon enrollment. Check your OCC student email often for this information.
- Fingerprint Clearances can take several weeks, start this process as soon as you get the form.
- If a student is already working in a licensed child care program, then only the fingerprint clearance number is needed – ask your director for your number.
- Students will sign a 'criminal record statement' indicating whether or not they have committed a crime. An honest claim is needed since fingerprinting is used as part of the background check. Perjuries will prevent the student from continuing in the class and is against the OCC Student Code of Conduct. Filing for exemptions may be required if crimes have been recorded and may delay student's ability to arrange lab hours.
Submit all documentation according to instructor directions. Students will NOT be allowed to arrange lab hours, or continue in the class, unless these requirements are met.
†Licensing requires that the flu shot should be administered yearly, between the months of August – December. If it's not administered during these times, individuals must sign a flu shot waiver.
Fingerprint clearances:
Background checks are completed on all licensed community care facilities, staff, and volunteers for the protection and welfare of the children who are receiving care in that facility. Background checks for childcare programs look at the criminal history of an individual, including a child abuse index check. Background checks are completed through the submission of fingerprints via LiveScan.