Preschool Meets High School

It was a heartwarming class full of learning, play and connection when preschool students from the Central Education Center visited the Child Development class at Richfield High School. The visit provided an opportunity for high school students to apply their semester-long studies in a hands-on setting while the preschoolers enjoyed reading, playing and forming bonds with the high school students.

The Child Development class, taught by Alexis Setzer, covers everything about young children from prenatal development to the age of five. “Students learn how children develop socially, emotionally, intellectually and physically, and we end the semester working with kids in real life,” Alexis explained. Alexis met Early Learning Program Coordinator Jenelle Bullen on Alexis’s first day of work at Richfield High School in 2023. Their shared goal of bringing early childhood and high school students together made this experience possible.

"Our preschoolers absolutely light up when they interact with the high school students," said Early Learning Program Coordinator Jenelle Bullen. "They love the one-on-one attention, the stories and the games, but they especially love forming those connections. Experiences like this help build their confidence and social skills in a way that feels natural and fun for them."

The high school students were excited about the opportunity to visit with the preschool kids, with many saying it was the highlight of their whole week. The visit not only reinforced their learning but also deepened their appreciation for working with young children. “Past students have told me that it was the best experience ever,” Alexis added. “When I told past students that the preschool kids were coming to visit, they asked if they could come, too!” 

Since joining Richfield High School, Alexis has grown the Child Development program significantly. “When I started, my first Child Development class had 25 students. Now, I have three classes and about 70 students,” she said. The program includes hands-on experiences like working with Real Care babies and, thanks to new funding, students will now have access to safety training with new first-aid simulation dolls. With each year, Alexis hopes to inspire more students to consider careers in early childhood education, and partnerships like the one with the staff and students at the Central Education Center help make it happen.