For the first time ever, all 31 students enrolled in Bradford Area High School’s Early Childhood Education program participated in paid co-op placements while completing their required hours.

This milestone marks a significant achievement for the program and students.

The Early Childhood Education program equips students with the skills and knowledge needed for careers involving children. Students gain hands-on experience developing age-appropriate curriculum, designing activity centers, and creating lesson plans. A major component of the program involves working directly with children, guiding behavior, and supporting classroom learning in pre-kindergarten settings throughout the community.

This year, students completed their placement hours at a variety of local sites, including George G. Blaisdell Elementary School, Head Start, ABC Grow with Me, Twin Tiers YMCA, CARE for Children and Learn Love Laugh Childcare Center.

Historically, these placements were unpaid.

However, thanks to grant funding through PA CareerLink and Workforce Solutions of North Central Pennsylvania, students were able to earn an hourly wage while also receiving high school credit and completing hours toward their Child Development Associate (CDA) certification.

To earn CDA certification, students must complete 480 hours of hands-on experience in a prekindergarten lab setting and 120 hours of related classroom instruction. Upon certification, students are eligible to receive up to 11 college credits through articulation agreements with participating colleges and universities.