This fall, Holyoke High School’s Dean campus welcomed its first-ever cohort of ninth-grade students who enrolled in the school’s new Early Education & Care Program. Over the next four years, these students will immerse themselves in the science and psychology of caring for young children—while preparing for employment opportunities as soon as they graduate.
“Our community has a huge need for new early education teachers coming directly out of high school who are really excited to be part of learning and growing our community,” explained Early Education & Care teacher Cathryn Moulton. “There are many, many job opportunities available for students after graduating from the Early Education & Care shop here at Dean Tech,” including teaching positions working with infants, toddlers, and preschool children.
The Early Education & Care learning space at Dean looks just like a typical preschool classroom found throughout Holyoke Public Schools, Ms. Moulton said, including designated learning centers for math, science, dramatic play, housekeeping, library books, and more. It is in this space that students will learn how to physically and emotionally care for children while developing their own skills to become effective educators who recognize the importance of culture, identity, family partnerships, and inclusion.
Throughout their four years in the program, participants will develop the necessary skills to:
Understand child growth and development,
Create safe and supportive learning environments
Plan developmentally appropriate activities, and
Build positive relationships with children and families.
While the program is designed to fast-track graduates directly into paid positions within the community, Ms. Moulton said, participants will also be encouraged to consider additional education after high school so they can further advance their careers if they wish.