The Valley Stream High School District provides an extensive career and technical education program in the fields of Business Education, Family and Consumer Sciences, and Technology. In addition, we offer excellent career preparation programs in six curriculum areas. They are described in detail in the section entitled Career Preparation Programs. Study may lead to graduation sequences and provide students with life skills for success in their future endeavors.

Other career preparation programs can be pursued at BOCES. Students are transported to and from BOCES classes on a half-day basis. Further information on the variety of BOCES programs offered is available in each guidance office.

All students pursuing a Career and Technical Education sequence in our district or at BOCES must pass both the Introduction to Occupations course and the state proficiency examination.
Interdisciplinary sequences are also available for students to combine course work in two areas of interest. For specific possibilities, consult the guidance department or career and technical educator.
In addition to course work, our District recognizes the importance of practical work experience. A Work Experience Program option is available to students in every Career Education discipline. Internships are available in the senior year for many students.

BUSINESS EDUCATION

The Business Education program is comprehensive and designed to meet the personal, college, and career needs of the Valley Stream student. Knowledge obtained will be used in almost every career, whether after college or high school. Students make extensive use of computers in authentic experiences.
All courses are open to all students as electives or as part of a sequence. Courses are available for college credit in addition to high school credit.

FAMILY and CONSUMER SCIENCES

Family and Consumer Science courses are designed to help adolescents develop strategies to be successful in their personal, family, and professional lives. Students can pursue courses for either personal development or career exploration. Emphasis on authentic experiences in both laboratory and community environments provide students with exciting learning opportunities. Students in grades 9 through 12 are encouraged to choose these courses as electives or as part of a Career and Tech Ed Sequence.

TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION

Technology Education students explore the ever-changing technological world we live in. Through designing, constructing and experimenting with processes, materials and products, students develop their own human potential and create artifacts. Courses are designed for personal development, preparation for further educational study, and future professional involvement.
Unless otherwise indicated, all courses are open to all students as electives or as part of an Occupational Education sequence.

CAREER PREPARATION PROGRAMS

For the student who knows which career he/she wishes to pursue, vocational programs provide extensive, in-depth instruction.

Our district is delighted to provide five excellent vocqational programs.

Each program consists of:

COMMERCIAL FOODS
The food service industry is one of the fastest growing in the country. Our district recognizes the importance of providing vocational instruction to students wishing to pursue a career in this industry.
The Valley Stream Culinary Institute provides students with experience in meal planning, commercial food preparation, catering and industry regulations and practices.
The students will also be involved in internships in food service establishments.

COMPUTER BUSINESS OPERATIONS
Computers are a major force in our personal as well as economic lives. Students in this program become proficient in all aspects of computer operations and application. Our Computer Business Operations students will be sought by business firms on Long Island and in New York City.

COSMETOLOGY
The Cosmetology program prepares students for careers as cosmetologists or beauticians. Successful completion of a two-year course, totaling 1000 hours, enables students to sit for the New York State Board of Examination cosmetology. Licensing (which is demanded by any shop owner) is granted upon the successful completion of both written and practical State tests.
Up to 75 hours of the required 1000 may be earned by working in a related work environment. Students may perform those duties not requiring a license. Employers will evaluate students each marking period.

CONSTRUCTION AND REMODELING
(formerly Facilities Management)
The commercial/residential maintenance and repair fields continue to grow and provide a lucrative, satisfying future for those interested in all aspects of building maintenance and facilities management.

VOCATIONAL AUTO TECHNOLOGY
The Vocational Auto Technology program is for those students planning to enter the automotive field. Students are trained to become Class C Mechanics (tune-ups, brake jobs, basic maintenance, etc.) and may enter the field of work after graduation or continue their education in technical or trade schools. In addition, the program is beneficial for students planning to enter the field of parts management or automotive sales.

CHILD CARE
Our society provides varied opportunities for students to become involved in the expanding field of child care. This one-year vocational program is designed to prepare students for Child Development Associate certification, a national certification for child care. This program is also recommended for those planning to pursue a career in early childhood education.

COMPUTER STUDIES

Computer technology has become an integral part of our lives. Colleges are now requiring students majoring in many fields to take computer courses. Computer education on the secondary level should include an exposure to various applications of computer technology as well as programming. Whether future plans include attending college or not, a familiarity with computer systems and their uses will provide students with the background necessary for further study and employment.
The Valley Stream Central High School District’s computer science offerings provide opportunities for all students to take computer courses. Computer Applications is open to all students and is designed to make them aware of the importance and usefulness of this rapidly advancing technology. Students wishing to pursue a formal course of study can take a sequence of courses including Computer Programming, Advanced Computer Programming, and C++, each of which carries one-half unit of credit, and AP Computer Science, which is a one-credit college level course. Emphasis in these courses is placed on programming methodology and problem solving in addition to studying the higher level structures of the BASIC and C++ languages.

1. Computer education may be obtained with the following experiences:
a. Computer Essentials (280)
b. Accounting (549)
c. Computers for Business (formerly BA/BCA) (535)
d. Computer Aided Design and Drawing (CADD) (652)
e. Computer Programming (282)
f. Advanced Computer Programming (284)
g. Computer Lab (288)
h. Advanced Placement Computer Science (289)
i. Advanced Computer Applications (281)
2. Students may satisfy the computer requirement by:
a. “Testing out” at the end of the 8th or subsequent grades to demonstrate mastery at the level of Computer Essentials.
b. Passing any of the courses listed above.
c. Taking the Computer Essentials Course.