Sitka High CTE program brings early childhood education training to students

May 21, 2026 - 11:53

The school year is winding down, and students in Sitka High School's Career and Technical Education program are wrapping up a semester of real-world job training. The program has expanded its offerings, giving teenagers direct experience in fields like early childhood education. Instead of just reading textbooks, these students are working with young children in local daycare and preschool settings.

For many, the hands-on approach has been eye-opening. They learn how to plan age-appropriate activities, manage a classroom, and understand child development. The goal is to build a pipeline of skilled workers for local childcare centers, which often struggle to find qualified staff. Teachers in the program say the experience also builds soft skills like patience, communication, and responsibility.

One student noted that working with toddlers taught her more about problem-solving than any lecture could. The CTE track allows students to earn industry-recognized credentials before they even graduate. As the final bell of the year approaches, these students leave not just with a diploma, but with a resume that already includes direct professional experience in a high-demand field.