The Child Development program has become one of the most popular elective courses at Wilsonville. Welcome to everyone, the program–starting with Child Development I–teaches students about child psychology, parenting responsibilities, and offers hands-on experiences.
Unique to Wilsonville, classes get the opportunity to work at the nearby elementary school, Boeckman Creek Primary. There, students practice what they learn in real-time, assisting the elementary school classes in their daily projects and interacting with students. After taking Child Development I and II, along with Education I and II, students who choose to continue have the chance to become primary school tutors, as well as earn a cord at graduation.
Mrs. Bruce, one of Wilsonville’s Child Development and Education teachers, shares, “I think every student who takes this class learns something about themselves. They get to reflect on their families and envision their future as a parent, professional, or even just as a friend.”
Students who forecast for Child Development expect to learn about kids and how a child’s brain functions, but they take away so much more.
Lilly Friend, a freshman, states, “I want to continue the path of Child Development and Education classes throughout high school. I don’t want to be a teacher or anything, but Mrs. Bruce’s class just makes me happy, and the kids always make me smile.”
Mrs. Bruce hopes her class is a place where students feel seen, heard, and valued for what they bring forward. “I think a big part of why my classroom runs smoothly is because my students have really big ownership over the rules and norms that are created in the classroom. I try to hear what’s important to them so they can be successful.”
Kids from preschool to high school all just want to feel like they belong. Mrs. Bruce shares, “I think that all students have different learning styles. All students need different tools. Whether they need to fidget or sit close to a preferred peer.”
The strategies Mrs. Bruce’s classes practice make the learning environment feel safe and comfortable to be in, which is another reason so many students enjoy this elective.
Friend concludes, “I would absolutely recommend Child Development to people. I love it, and Mrs. Bruce is well educated and so loving and caring.”
Child Development provides foundational knowledge for careers in education, healthcare, or social services. However, Wilsonville’s Child Development program is special: students do not regret taking it.