students benefit greatly from the class , gaining loads of knowledge , skills , and social abilities before making the big jump to kindergarten .
“ We ’ re really able to meet all of their needs ,” said Ricciardi . “ Preschool is so important . They ’ re going to kindergarten with a lot of skills .”
Beyond helping her determine her future career , Thompson said the class has helped her hone some important skills , like time management . Others have gained confidence within the class , learning they can thrive within a very hands-on environment .
“ Just hearing them talk to kids , I ’ m hearing them use the same verbiage that I use . When they first started , some of them were really scared and now it ’ s different , the way they talk to them and their body language ,” said Ricciardi . “ They ’ re much more confident . If that ’ s something they can take from here and use in their other classes and life in general , I think it ’ s fantastic .”
Over the years , Ricciardi said the class has become quite the family affair . She ’ s had some families send three or four children through the program , some of
whom are now seniors at the high school . Bonds stretch beyond the classroom , too .
“ I have families where the high schoolers go to their baseball or basketball games . They develop really nice bonds . Sometimes they ’ re babysitting at home . It can go a lot farther ,” said Ricciardi .
That level of passion and connection for the preschool students is common across the high school students that take the class . While students like Thompson are honing their skills before studying to become educators , others are learning that they want to go down a pediatric path , when considering a career in health care . Some students just want to learn what it might take to be a good mom or dad .
“ The kids really want to be here . I ’ ve had some students tell me that this is the main reason they come to school because they know that they ’ re needed ,” said Ricciardi . “ If I can provide that little piece , I know that I ’ m doing my job .” ateway
GATEWAY SCHOOL DISTRICT
The Gateway School District is looking for sponsors ! Interested in advertising at one of our numerous facilities ? Scan the QR code for more information , or contact Jeremy Tepper , communications specialist , at jtepper @ gatewayk12 . org .
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