Aspiring Educators Turn to BOCES to Guide the Way

SCHOHARIE/ALBANY – High school students looking to spend their professional careers in the classroom need to look no further than Capital Region BOCES.

Through the Early Childhood Education program, high school juniors and seniors learn the basics of child development and build a solid foundation in classroom arrangement and management and curriculum development for infants/toddlers/preschoolers and young children.

Students also learn how to communicate and work with parents and staff in an educational setting. An on-site childcare center will provide hands-on work-based learning opportunities for students in the program.

The program is offered on the Albany Career and Technical Education Center (CTE) Campus and at Schoharie Elementary School.

“Schools and childcare facilities across the country are struggling to find teachers and childcare workers. This program is a fantastic opportunity for students who are interested in exploring these career options and building a solid foundation of knowledge and skills that they can take to college or the workforce,” said Jeff Palmer, Capital Region BOCES CTE  Director.

Students said they enjoy the opportunity and the program.

“Ever since I was little, I loved working with kids,” said Brooke'Lyn Bender, who attends the program from Cobleskill. “I like that we learn new things and are able to work with pre-K students.”

Fellow senior Katelyn Delaney said the program is preparing her well for her future.

“After graduation, I will be going to college.  I would like to be a special education teacher because I've always wanted to help little kids that struggle,” the Schalmont teen said.