Academic Students

ESEC 150 as well as other volunteers are welcome at the Child Development Center. Some volunteers come because of a course assignment; others because they are interested in spending time with young children; others come to gain experience as an Early Childhood Educator. Volunteers help out with classroom routines, play with children on the playground, supervise activities during choice times, read stories to children, and take on other classroom responsibilities as appropriate. Most volunteers agree that spending time with children is the highlight of their week!

ESEC 289 or "Methods " students work as part of the teaching team in each classroom; each student works two mornings a week. These students are responsible for planning and teaching lessons, observing and assessing children's development, modeling positive behavior and establishing a good rapport with children, other students, parents, and classroom teachers. They also take part in providing a creative, fun and safe learning environment for the children.

ESEC Student Teaching is the final step for future early childhood educators at Keene State College. Student Teachers are in the classroom full time and for a period during their placement they become responsible for the daily schedule and all of the classroom routines. Student Teachers begin by first becoming acquainted with the children and the members of the teaching team. Next they plan lessons for the classroom. Eventually, Student Teachers take over the role of lead teacher, guiding the children throughout their day. This helps Student Teachers understand their future work, while still enjoying the support of their cooperating teachers and other colleagues.

Work Study Students

Work Study students are crucial to the functioning of the Child Development Center. These students assist the teachers in teaching and caring for the children as well as keeping the rooms clean and organized. Work Study students learn a lot about early childhood education and care. They are highly valued by CDC staff.

KITCHEN ASSISTANT: In this position students are responsible for preparing snacks, laundry, dishes, and clean up. This job does not usually involve time with children.

LUNCH SET-UP/NAP ASSISTANT: Students in this position are responsible to set up the children's lunch, set-up for the children's rest or nap time, and assist them in resting or sleeping.

SUBSTITUTES: Students may be asked to substitute for another work-study person if they are absent and it fits into their schedule.

MORNING SET-UP: A morning set-up person help get the room ready (usually at 7:00 am) for the arrival of the children. This student may assist the morning teacher in making children's transition to their classroom as easy and comfortable as possible.

CLOSING: Late afternoon work-study students help the afternoon teacher close up the classroom. This position includes clean up of materials and activities and saying good-bye to the children as they leave for the day.

CLASSROOM ASSISTANTS: Students in this position support classroom teacher in various ways to provide activities and guidance to children.