The students who work at the Center for Young Children and Families are considered an important part of our staff. Some have had many experiences working with children, others are new to the field, but all are expected to have one quality in common–a commitment to children. The Center Staff value the contributions of student classroom aides and early childhood students. All students are supervised by the professional teaching staff. Students are expected to understand the extent of their responsibilities and to ask a staff member or the director for clarification if necessary. Each student who works with the children on an extended basis is required to complete a Fingerprint/Criminal Records Check completed by the State of NH. The cost of this process is the responsibility of the student. Please see the program assistant for information.
The Center is host to many students throughout the year in many different capacities. The Elementary Education & Youth Development program at Plymouth State has several different courses which utilize the Center on a consistent, but limited basis for observations and learning experiences. The Center is also used for course work by other academic departments, such as Art, Special Education and Physical Education, on a case-by-case basis and through written request of the Instructor. Each request is viewed by the director, who looks at the requirements of the assignment, and is either approved or denied based on the assignment and the demands on the Center at that time. We are careful to balance the needs of University students with the what is in the best interest of the children.
Student Classroom Aides/Work Study Students are also an integral part of our program. These students are paid employees of the Center and are under the direct supervision of the classroom teachers. Hiring such students allows us to keep low adult-to-child ratios. Many of these students are early childhood or education majors, but we will hire students from other academic departments who demonstrate a commitment to young children and the Center, regardless of their work study status.
