The URI Child Development Center hosted 14 high school students from the Warwick Area Career and Technical Center for a visit Thursday to observe and learn from the educators in the URI center.

The high school students had the opportunity to conduct a focused observation of the Rhode Island Early Learning and Development Standards in action and how the child development center’s expert teachers exemplify the skills and competencies outlined in the RI Workforce Knowledge and Competencies for Early Childhood Teachers.

“The students and their instructors gathered inspiration from our high-quality, developmentally appropriate, NAEYC-accredited laboratory preschool program to apply to the work they are doing with young children at the Warwick Early Learning Center,” said Child Development Center Director Jessica MacLeod.

After the observation, the high school students participated in a discussion about their experience as observers, reflected on their learning, and asked questions to CDC staff to deepen their understanding.

The URI Child Development Center is part of the College of Health Sciences.