At MHS, students enrolled in the early childhood education program are not just learners, but they’re active participants in shaping the educational landscape of our community. Through their role as peer tutors, they gain invaluable hands-on experience in classroom settings while positively impacting the lives of some of our youngest learners.
Due to Madras High’s unique location, positioned between two elementary schools, this proximity allows our high school students to fully immerse themselves in the classroom environment, working directly with elementary-age children or even younger.
Kylee Orozco is a Junior at MHS who spends part of her day in a fifth grade classroom at Buff Elementary. In her role, she works with the students in small groups in a specific content area.
“It’s very helpful to figure out what you want to do when you’re older,” she said. “It gives you a lot of opportunities to connect with kids and see what they do in terms of how they’re learning, seeing the teachers teach in different ways.”
Another MHS Junior, Yahsira Chavero, spends a part of her day inside one of the two preschool classrooms in our district. During this time, she is a peer tutor and works with the younger students in small groups. Chavero is interested in pursuing a career in education after high school.
These hands-on opportunities help students earn the Developmentally Appropriate Learning Environments (DALE) certificate as part of their Early Childhood Education program. This accomplishment is for students pursuing or continuing careers in early learning environments. MHS offers 5 of the 6 required classes for dual credit.
This certificate is made possible thanks to a partnership with COCC. By making this certificate accessible to our students at MHS, we are setting up our students to seek opportunities in early-learning settings. This will help fill a critical need in our region.
“There is a child care worker shortage in Jefferson County,” Early Child Education Teacher Julie Mitchell said. “Child Care Centers in Jefferson County don’t have enough staff. Students earning their DALE certificate can go right into the workforce after high school and fill those needs in our community.
Upon completing the program, students will be able to support early learning by understanding primary theories used in early childhood development and education, better understand children’s behavior and support their learning and development, and more.
“Students get the opportunities to work with infants, toddlers, preschoolers and elementary students,” Mitchell said. “Students learn about different theorists, learning styles, teaching different content areas, and how to guide and support young children.”