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Teacher describes Hempfield SD–aligned preschool that pairs preschoolers with high school student teachers
Summary
A teacher described a preschool program aligned with the Hempfield School District that offers a two-day option for 3–4 year olds and a three-day kindergarten-readiness program for 4–5 year olds and places high school students in a student-teacher role.
A teacher described a preschool program that offers two scheduling tracks and pairs preschoolers with high school students serving as student teachers.
The teacher said the program offers a two-day option — held on Mondays and Fridays with morning and afternoon sessions — for 3- and 4-year-olds focused on social skills and basic readiness. "We have a 2 day program, which is Mondays and Fridays, and we have a morning and afternoon," the teacher said.
She said a separate three-day program serves 4- and 5-year-olds and focuses explicitly on kindergarten readiness skills. "Our, 3 day program is for 4 and 5 year olds, and that is focused on kindergarten readiness," she said, adding that kindergarten readiness is an integral part of the curriculum.
The teacher said the preschool aligns with Hempfield School District's curriculum so children are prepared for kindergarten. "We do align with Hempfield School District's curriculum so that we're preparing them for kindergarten," she said.
Program officials described a distinctive element: high school students work alongside preschoolers in a student-teacher capacity. "First of all, it's because we have high school students that work with our preschoolers. So, it's really innovative and different," the teacher said. She described high school students planning lessons, leading activities and incorporating STEM, math and science into learning centers.
The teacher outlined a typical day: free play on arrival, circle time with calendar and weather, small-group learning centers and a daily snack. "Our typical day is the children have free play when they come in to preschool and then we do a circle time, which is their lesson for the day," she said.
She framed the program's objective as both educational and interpersonal, noting the joy of seeing developmental milestones and interactions between high school students and preschoolers. "My favorite aspect of this job is honestly seeing the interaction between high school students and the preschoolers," she said. "I love how every day, the preschoolers just put a smile on my face and it's so, like, exciting and happy."
