Tri-County students and instructors observe and participate in a variety of activities aimed at promoting the social, emotional, physical and intellectual development of each child in the preschool programs, with particular emphasis on creating a strong sense of community among children and teachers.
The Tri-County Children’s Center was established in 1977 as a training program for Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School students studying Early Childhood Education and other human service occupations.
It is a special place, serving a diverse population of young children.
“Our program is based on years of sound research regarding developmentally appropriate practice. What we offer for children encompasses the whole child’s developmental needs. Physical cognitive social and emotional. It is not just academics. Will they learn those foundational academic skills? Absolutely. But not at the cost of their natural joy, wonder and curiosity.
Michelle Reardon-Children’s Center instructor
Three-Day Preschool Program
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings 8:50 – 11:20 am
Child must be no younger than three years by September 15 and no older than four years nine months by December 15.
Tuition
Three-Day Preschool Program: $45.00 per child per week
Enrollment is limited to residents of the 11 towns within the Tri-County district, which includes Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole, and Wrentham.
The Staff
Our staff includes three instructors, each with extensive training and experience in working with both young children and high school students. It is the role of these instructors to ensure that the high school student teachers gain the skills necessary to mature into capable child care professionals. It is under the direction of the instructors that the high school student teachers plan nd implement developmentally appropriate curriculum. Upon graduation, the high school student teachers will be equipped to work in a variety of early childhood classroom settings.
About the Tri-County RVTHS Early Education Program
The Early Education Program prepares high school students for various careers in working with young children. Through in-depth academic studies in child growth and development, students gain a solid understanding of the early childhood years and a working knowledge of children in this critical stage of their development. Students also receive CPR and First Aid training and certification.
Students work directly with preschool children at the Tri-County Children’s Center as well as participate in field-site placement practicums in the community to acquire skills and confidence in teaching.
Many graduates of the program elect to continue their education in the field of early childhood education. Other graduates may enter the working world as child care assistants. Outstanding graduates from Tri-County Early Education Program will be considered for certification as a fully qualified teacher in a day care setting through the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care. The demand for caring and well-trained child care workers from this program is continuously increasing.
To learn more about the Early Education Program, visit the school’s website: www.tri-county.us