As Pennridge High School welcomes back all of its students to a full-time schedule, child development students prepare their classrooms for the reinstatement of in-person preschool. Child development I and II are elective courses Pennridge offers for high schoolers to get experience working with and teaching children while operating a fully functioning preschool. The preschoolers have not been in school since March 13, 2020, when the school first went on lockdown, but have since returned in the last week. 

The class is offered at two levels, child development I and child development II, both being double periods. The classes are described by the syllabus as furthering “student’s understanding of the growth and development of the preschool child”. Students delve into the psychology behind child development while preparing lessons and acting as student aides. Student, Kierstan Rauch, is currently taking child development II and says, “I’ve not only learned about young children, their functions and needs but important life skills too. It teaches any student to have an open mind and to think outside of the box.” The class teaches not only educational learning, but additionally social and emotional learning. Students and preschoolers alike have the opportunity to form strong connections and learn from each other. 

The teacher, Mrs. Reim, and current students face unprecedented challenges due to the restrictions covid-19 has caused, but they have been adaptable in making the classroom a safe and enjoyable space for the children. While they are not able to take many of the field trips the class usually includes, lessons find alternative ways to offer the preschoolers interactive and educational experiences. Many parents have talked to their child about Covid safety and Mrs. Reim attests that “the great thing about little kids is that if you set up a routine, they know what to do. Most kiddos are less likely to argue with that when they know what the rule is.” She says getting the children to follow safety procedures has not been an issue and many of the kids are curious and aware about what is happening. Despite the countless changes she has had to make to her classroom in the past year, Mrs. Reim says not all have been bad and she plans to keep some changes post-covid.

Despite the challenges the class has been faced with in the past year, they continue to do their best to provide preschoolers with an enriching environment and are extremely excited to welcome the children back to the classroom.