The Early Childhood Education Pathway at Daviess County High School is now offering a practicum to enrolled DCHS students, who may gain hands-on experience by working at afterschool programs and/or childcare facilities in Owensboro-Daviess County.
This program will begin Feb. 28 and continue throughout the remainder of the school year before resuming in the 2022-23 school year. DCHS students will be an aide in the afterschool and/or childcare program to the head instructor. Tasks may include guiding students when working on homework, leading a lesson, and helping with the daily routines during their allotted time.
The DCHS Early Childhood Education Pathway provides meaningful, real-world learning experiences for high school students who are interested in careers that involve working with children ranging in age from infancy through elementary grade levels.
“The pathway is targeted for individuals preparing for careers related to early childhood education, such as those associated with teaching, child care, community-based children’s programs, social services or counseling for children, and after-school programs,” said Pathway instructor Erica Selby.
DCHS senior Gracen Gabbert said she thinks the Pathway courses at DCHS are beneficial because of the opportunities they provide.
“You learn how to give CPR, how to spot neglect and abuse in children, and you also get real-world experience by working with toddlers and elementary school children,” Gabbert said. “I have learned so many things that are going to help me now and in the future. I think this course should be required for everyone to learn the basic needs of other people and children.”
Scott Taylor, who serves as DCPS diversity, equity and inclusion coordinator, said the program is a win-win for DCPS.
“As we build capacity through this program, we have the opportunity to grow our own future child care providers and even elementary and secondary teachers,” Taylor said. “In turn, these internships also give our afterschool programs a solid partnership with DCHS with future interns working in our afterschool programs.”
Students enrolled in the Early Childhood Education Pathway will complete the following courses during their four years at DCHS: Family and Consumer Science (FCS) Essentials, Early Lifespan Development, Child Services I, and Child Services II. The pathway is part of the FCS, Career and Technical Education program at DCHS. Upon completion of courses, students will have had the opportunity to obtain their CPR Certification, Pediatric Abusive Head Trauma Training, ECE-End of Program Certificate, Kentucky Early Care and Education Orientation Certificate, and a certificate of eligibility for the Commonwealth Child Care Credential.
