Child Development is a CTE elective currently being offered at Wilsonville High School. The course focuses on teaching high school students the principles of working with young children in educational settings.
In child development, students learn about children’s needs in the classroom. “I have learned how to approach kids and make them comfortable, as well as the importance of getting to know the kids you work with,” Freshman Allycin Bishop said.
Child Development is not only taught in the classroom, but also allows students to get hands-on experience working with kids at Boeckman Creek Primary School, conveniently located next to the FEC classrooms where Child Development is typically taught. High schoolers get a preview for what it might be like to work in education for a career.
Child Development has helped bridge the community of High School students and elementary learners, providing opportunities for older students to teach and lead kids while also developing friendships. So far, the new elective has proven to be very popular among Wilsonville Students and represents a healthy way to interact with other schools.
Many students tried this class out as it was a new addition to the eclectic electives list this year, including freshman Elliana Ahrens. “I wanted to learn how to interact with kids better and learn how to teach them… And education is something I might want to potentially do in the future for a career,” She said.
Many students who are taking Child Development this school year plan to continue the CTE course in Child Development 2. Any students attending Wilsonville High School next school year are able to forecast for the class and can even earn a CTE “chord” when they graduate for completing these courses.
Gabby Mirzac, a freshman who is in Child Development 2 this semester says, “Child development is a great opportunity to plan for a career in education. I would recommend the class to any students who love working with kids.”
Child development has provided many opportunities for students to get a head start on a career in education. Students and teachers alike look forward to seeing what the CTE course will continue to offer to Wilsonville High School and bring to the Primary community.