From One Alumnae to Another: Supporting Hands-On Learning Opportunities for Tomorrow’s Teachers
In the early childhood education space, teacher development is a key ingredient for a quality child care program. Degreed teachers, who are passionate and who already possess some real-world experience in the classroom, can be hard to find. So, what is the key ingredient for recruiting exceptional college graduates?
I believe I have a simple answer to this important question – hire from a university that is committed to educating students with a “learn by doing” philosophy. Such universities do exist and I am proud to say that I am one of the many successful students that experienced the excellent teaching at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo .
When departing Cal Poly in 1991, I left with bittersweet feelings. My path was unknown. However, what I did know was that I felt fully prepared for whatever opportunity that presented itself to me. Why? Because Cal Poly encourages students to experience hands-on learning opportunities. As student, you are expected to engage, immerse and participate in many opportunities outside of the classroom. I believe I volunteered for at least six different positions which included teen pregnancy counselor, elementary school aide, YMCA Program Coordinator and so on.
Today, after 18 plus years of professional experience in early childhood education, I still lean on my past lessons from Cal Poly. I am thankful for the skilled and passionate professors that continue to instill the same values in their students, which is why our Center Directors are thrilled when they are able to recruit child development graduates from Cal Poly. Over the years we have hired several dozen grads and their overall commitment and preparation for their new profession is commendable.
While the quality of education and instruction is above par, in recent years, Cal Poly’s Preschool Learning Lab outdoor facilities were in need of an update. In working with the University, one question that arose was: “What if the preschool lab included an outdoor space that allowed the students to observe play and implement a variety of learning opportunities?” Thanks to my good fortune and experience and passion for designing outdoor play spaces for children, I approached the University and offered to fund the development of a new playground; one that would enrich the child’s experience and help the students document their observations.
Earlier this month, the new playground was dedicated. It puts children back in contact with nature, by removing the large amount of concrete surfaces that previously existed (some of the same surfaces that were there when I was a student!). Sustainable and natural components have been implemented in as many areas as possible, with the addition of new bushes and trees, a dry creek bed and mini sand dunes. Children can enjoy digging for artifacts in a pea gravel pit, and grow their own vegetables and fruit in the organic garden.
I am so proud to be a part of Cal Poly and to be able to welcome many wonderful Cal Poly grads as members of the CCLC family. It is my hope that the enhanced playground will only help prepare and inspire future child development graduates.
About Fran Durekas, Founder and Chief Development Officer, CCLC
Fran Durekas is Founder and Chief Development Officer for CCLC, a leading provider of employer-sponsored early childhood education and care. In this capacity, she provides executive leadership and support for new center openings, long-term strategy development for centers and client relations. She also assists with CCLC center design, construction and program recommendations. You can find out more about Fran and the high-quality employer-sponsored care that CCLC offers at www.cclc.com
Uncategorized | Elanna | 
October 30, 2009 11:20 am
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