A class where lesson plans and grading can actually start as singing songs and crafts, the Child Development pathway is a popular one at West Albany High School. But what does it look like when a person moves up the ranks? From the Career Technical Education (CTE) class taken freshman year to Child Development 4, there is something for everyone. 

     Senior and CTE department award winner Penelope Soriano got into the program early on during her high school career.

     “I immediately loved it and moved into it sophomore year, and I’ve taken it every year since,” Soriano said. 

     The Little Bulldog Preschool is a loud, colorful section of West Albany High School that operates very differently.The first two periods of every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday are filled with music, crafts, and toys for these soon-to-be teachers and young students.

     “You’re really hands-on, which is so important when you’re wanting to be a teacher,” Soriano said.

     High schoolers are involved in every aspect of the preschoolers’day, building bonds and skills with their students.

     “We have one boy in our class who’s been here for three years,” Soriano said. “I was here when he came, and it’s really cool to see how he’s grown.”

     These connections can mean a lot to the students in our Child Development pathway, whether they be preschoolers or high schoolers. And for the older preschool students moving to kindergarten, and seniors going off to their futures, it’s all about the next big step.