Early Childhood Education Program Barrington High School Play School

Fall - Winter 2017-2018
We believe in making a difference in a young child’s life.
Contact: Audrey Guttin at guttina@barringtonschools.org
Ages 3-5 (Must be potty trained)

About the Program
The Child Development program is a dual educational experience in which preschool children and high school children learn together, with major benefits for both sets of students. High school students with career interests in early childhood, pediatric medicine, psychology, social work, education, and more enroll in Child Development. Students learn the classic theories of developmental psychologists and educational scholars, lesson planning skills and developmentally appropriate practices for use with preschool aged children. These skills are actively practiced as students plan and implement lessons for the children in coordination with the Rhode Island Early Learning and Development Standards.
Preschool children are exposed to planned, creative early learning activities in a wholesome, nurturing, and exciting environment. The program offers a gradual immersion into group activities and allows children to thrive at their own pace while making new friends, enjoying new experiences and learning new skills.
The playschool is run for 2 hours, meeting 2 or 3 times a week depending on the high school rotation schedule. Each session, five to nine high school students are actively teaching the preschool children. Groups that are not teaching are engaged in either a guide research Assignment, lab school observation duties or planning activities. These rotations mimic the professional teacher routines found in developmentally appropriate learning centers, with one wonderful exception...we provide up to a 1:2 teacher student ratio!