Brewster High School students interested in child development are getting the chance to study the subject at a college level without leaving Brewster.
In Nicole O’Sullivan’s class, The Development of Children, students are learning about child development and getting hands-on experience in the classroom. The course, which is offered through Syracuse University’s Project Advance, allows students to earn three college credits at a fraction of the cost. While college students would pay $6,500 for the course, Brewster students pay $345.
“It’s a great class for students who want to pursue a career in child development,” said O’Sullivan, “We have guest speakers from the community including a speech pathologist, social worker, bilingual educator, principal, and teachers. I love it when I hear back from former students who are studying child development in college or are working in the field.”
This week, the class is fanning out across the district to observe and assist in middle school classrooms at Wells, intermediate classrooms at C.V. Starr and elementary classrooms at JFK. In total, more than 30 teachers have opened their doors to the students.
The juniors and seniors who take the class have a range of interests and ideas about their future paths.
“I want to be a school psychologist,” said Elyse deSaint-Leon, “My favorite unit so far in the class has been Erikson's stages of development. It spoke to me–no matter how old you are, you are still developing.”
In addition to the high school child development class, Elyse volunteers in Cara Johansson’s second grade class where she reads with students, helps with writing and interacts during play time.
“I am focusing on how kids interact with each other and how they overcome their problems,” she said.
Hanna Krempler, a senior, who will be attending Marist College for a combined bachelor’s and master’s degree program in education next year, wants to be a seventh grade English teacher, following in her mother’s footsteps.
“I love to read and I think seventh grade would be a good grade to teach,” said Hannah.
Kayla Disla, who speaks Spanish, is planning to work with elementary school students and get her ENL certification. She also volunteers at JFK every Friday.
One student, Ava Stano, also attends BOCES for child development and education. She volunteers in Barbara Huestis’ fourth grade classroom helping students stay on task.
In each of the classrooms, SUPA students listen to questions, give supportive feedback and smile. The teachers who are inviting and flexible and who have been through the process themselves, remind them how proud their families must be for their interest in child development and happy to get the college credits for a fraction of the actual cost.