The following are statements made by students at both the Eden Prairie and Brooklyn Park campuses about their experiences with on site and online courses, practicums, and how they feel the Child Development Program at Hennepin Technical College helped them toward their career goals. Also included are statements by employers of students, and supervisors at practicums.
From Students:
This program has helped me a lot with the challenging children that we have. It is nice to get some information from other students and see what worked for them, and then take that and the other things we learn and go and try to change behaviors to help the children. The program and instructor also have very interesting information to give to the students. Jenna
This program has helped me know how to be professional and at the same time have fun. It has made me want to come to school everyday. Abbie
The child development program at HTC has had an incredible impact on my life and my personal development as a teacher of young children. I am not a natural, or even a very good student. This program allows a lot of hands-on learning and discussion between students, as well as great communication between students and teachers. I am grateful that I found HTC. I know that I will be a getter teacher because of it. I recommend it to anyone! Katherine
This program has helped me tremendously to begin learning about all aspects of child development. Everything taught has been effective and thorough. I think it is wonderful to have the lab preschool so we can get experience in a quality program working with children. The on-line classes have been great because I can do my work anytime of the day or night. I look forward to getting my degree in Child Development. I think it will help me be a great teacher! Amanda
I like the practicums because they give you a hands-on experience and they help teach you about yourself. The classes give you new ideas about how to interact with the children. You learn about what a child needs for growing and developing mentally, physically, and emotionally. Cheyanna
The classes at HTC aren't too big and it's easier for me to learn and be myself. The lab preschool practicum allows you to work hands on with the children and gives you a good look at what it takes to be a good child care provider. Heidi
What I like about the child development program is all the hands-on experience. Instead of just sitting in a classroom learning about children you actually get to go out and put your knowledge to use by being at a practicum. The workshops are very fun and informative; they generate lots of great ideas! Beth
The hands on learning in most of the classes helps me understand the material presented. I like the fact that the practicums start right away and you don't have to wait until the end of your degree to complete them. Kristin
From Practicum Supervisors
In practicums, students get the feeling of how it is to work in a real world situation. They allow students to experience sites other than their workplace, and to try out different work situations. They learn about activities for the children at their practicums, as opposed to only in one work placement. Students get ideas of different schedules, ways of planning, and are exposed to new ideas and different philosophies. It’s a great part of your program! Mary Dolezal, Teacher, Especially for Children
From Employers
We definitely appreciate how faculty at HTC are able to offer courses at our facility. The on-site courses enable our staff to share the experience together in their own setting and continue the learning throughout the week. The hand-on learning students get is very important. Being able to apply the theories they learn to real settings help them make more sense of what they learn. Graduates are knowledgeable about the early childhood profession and accreditation. The program keeps students abreast of current issues in the field and that is important. The requirements of having students attend conferences encourage professionalism and they learn they are part of a larger group. Lynn Seltz and Cathie Underwood, Directors, Especially for Children