Sherwood High School

Programs » Early Child Development Program

Early Child Development Program

SHS Preschool Lab Program is now accepting applications for the 2023- 2024 school year.

This unique program provides a quality educational experience for preschool children and high school students who are eager to work and learn together. The high school students, under professional supervision, plan and lead developmentally appropriate activities for young children in career preparation for future roles as childcare workers, parents, teacher related professions. High school students receive in-depth training in advance of the preschool lab opening, followed by weekly seminar classes.

The Sherwood High School Early Child Development Preschool Lab Application Procedures: 

• Children who will be 4 years old by September 1st are eligible to participate in the Preschool Lab Program during the 2023-2024 school year 
• Children must be fully toilet trained
• Since many different high school students will be teaching the children, the program is designed for the prekindergarten child who can cope with daily changes and flexible scheduling
• The program runs from mid-October through most of May
• Preschool Lab will typically be held Monday-Thursday
• Parents and students will be invited to an orientation in October prior to the first day of preschool 
• Tuition is $300 for each semester, a total of $600 for the year
• After you receive notification that your child is in the program you will be asked to complete other paperwork

Please email the Sherwood application to Nicole_A_Berry@mcpsmd.org. Once you receive notification that your child has been accepted you will receive a list of other required paperwork and tuition. 

Program Completion Requirements

• 4847/4848 Child and Adolescent Development 1 A/B

  In this introductory course, students become part of an education team that has direct interaction with 4-year olds in a lab school setting. Students interested in education, pediatric medicine, physical therapy, family law, psychology, and sociology enroll in this course in preparation for college and career experiences. After a rigorous training period, students become part of a team of teachers responsible for the day-to-day workings of a lab school.

• 4880/4881 Advanced Child Development 2A/B

  Students will learn to be reflective practitioners using researched-based methods of teaching when working with children. Students will analyze data, interpret and apply educational theories, and utilize technology as a teaching tool. Students will apply developmentally appropriate teaching practices in classroom and field experiences. Students will demonstrate leadership skills in communication, critical thinking, and problem solving. Assuming increased responsibilities for program management, students will develop and implement age-appropriate learning experiences for preschoolers. Upon completion of Child and Adolescent Development 2 Advanced-level, and all certification requirements, students will be eligible to apply for the 90 + 9 Clock Hours Certification.

• 4882/4883 Advanced Child Development 3A/B

  Students enhance the development of higher-level teaching and observation skills through independent study, research, advocacy projects, and field experiences. Students analyze current research-based instructional practices and classroom management strategies. Extensive research on careers in education and other child-related fields of study is completed in preparation for education internships. Students identify career goals and continue to develop a professional portfolio.

• 4884 Education Internship Advanced Level

  Students apply knowledge and skill sets acquired in the previous required courses to a comprehensive field based experience. Collaborating with mentor teachers and other professionals in educational settings, students participate in program-specific learning, leadership seminars, networking opportunities, and relevant workplace experiences. Students analyze the impact that leadership theories; professional ethics; current trends; and parent, community, and government organizations have on contemporary education and child care industries. Students explore postsecondary education and career options, complete a professional portfolio that is aligned with college Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium and Montgomery County Public Schools Teacher Performance Standards, and prepare for the interview process.

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