RHS students gain hands-on experience at Ridgefield Early Learning Center

Ridgefield High School students spend time with preschoolers at the Early Learning Center, applying what they’ve learned about child development in real-world settings. Photo courtesy Ridgefield School District

As part of their unit on preschool development, the high schoolers recently completed a children’s book study and designed hands-on activities to pair with their chosen books

Last week, students from Ridgefield High School’s Child Development I class, taught by Anne Simms, visited the Early Learning Center (ELC) — Ridgefield School District’s preschool program — for a special day of hands-on learning and connection.

As part of their unit on preschool development, the high schoolers recently completed a children’s book study and designed hands-on activities to pair with their chosen books. During their visit, they had the opportunity to observe ELC classrooms in action, assist teachers, and work directly with preschool students.

“This visit was a wonderful way for students to apply what they’ve been learning in class,” said Simms. “They got to see firsthand how play and exploration help children learn and grow. Many of them had those lightbulb moments — realizing that learning through play doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful.”

Ridgefield High School students in Anne Simms’ Child Development One engage with preschoolers during a recent visit to Ridgefield’s Early Learning Center. Photo courtesy Ridgefield School District — Ridgefield High School students in Anne Simms’ Child Development One class engage with preschoolers during a recent visit to Ridgefield’s Early Learning Center. Photo courtesy Ridgefield School District

Simms reintroduced the Child Development program this school year after it had been on pause since 2020. The class emphasizes project-based learning and helps students explore human development from birth through adolescence while building practical skills and awareness of careers in education and related fields.

For students like 10th grader Ginger Gorycki, the experience offered both inspiration and insight. “It helps you see the real side of working with young children,” Gorycki said. “I personally loved the experience and am now thinking about working in a preschool as a special education teacher or speech pathologist someday.”

RHS students help guide fun, hands-on activities designed to support growth and learning for Ridgefield’s youngest Spuds. Photo courtesy Ridgefield School District

Classmate Taylor Bush agreed, saying, “I would definitely urge other students to take this class because it’s so much fun, but you also learn a lot that you wouldn’t in a regular health class. It takes patience and understanding to work with kids, but it’s so rewarding.”

The visit also highlighted the strong partnership between Ridgefield’s high school and early learning programs. ELC Lead Preschool Teacher Jody Harris praised the students’ enthusiasm and impact: “What a joy to have our Spuds! What an amazing group of students! It was such a pleasure having them come work with our little Hashbrowns. They brought so much joy to our classroom—engaging with the children and giving them opportunities to learn from a different lens (the ‘big kids’!). It was a wonderful day, and we can’t wait to have them back. Go Spuds!”

The collaboration was a meaningful reminder of Ridgefield’s commitment to learning at every level — and how each stage of education can build on the next to strengthen the entire community.

High Schoolers from Ridgefield’s Child Development program work side-by-side with preschoolers, gaining valuable experience and sharing plenty of smiles along the way. Photo courtesy Ridgefield School District

Interested in preschool enrollment?

There are still spots available in Ridgefield School District’s Early Learning Center program. The ELC offers full tuition and need-based scholarships for qualifying families. Visit thersd.org/ELC to learn more and get enrolled.

Information provided by the Ridgefield School District.