Early Childhood Career Students Attend Professional Conference

Seniors and sophomores enrolled in Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School’s early childhood careers program attended the Strategies for Children professional conference Thursday, Feb. 28 at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester. 

Since its founding in 2001, Strategies for Children (SFC) has used its core strategies - research, policy development and monitoring, constituency building, communications - to have a positive impact on young children and families. In 2010, SFC commissioned a report - "Turning the Page: Refocusing Massachusetts for Reading Success" - from a nationally recognized expert in literacy at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. At the report's release in June 2010, SFC launched a 10-year campaign to ensure that children in Massachusetts become proficient readers by the end of third grade.

The Feb. 28 Strategies for Children conference was a panel discussion focused on research-based, effective professional development practices that promote successful literacy outcomes for children ages birth through 9. The conference, “Leading the Conversation: Turning the Page," was the second event in a five part series, and featured panelists sharing varying perspectives regarding high-impact professional development approaches and strategies, implementation efforts and challenges and responding to audience questions.

“I enjoyed hearing the professionals speak to us," said sophomore Bethany MacPherson of N. Attleboro. "I found the workshop to be very informative."

“As young teachers-in-training, it is important for our students to understand the benefit and necessity of participating in professional development conferences, as it aligns with our vocational technical education frameworks," said early childhood careers instructor Michelle Tilden. "Each year, we try to find these opportunities for our students. We are excited that they were able to attend this conference.”

 “I felt that for those of us who have not been to a professional conference, we now know what to expect and have that experience,” said sophomore Leigha Tucker of Medway.

 Tri-County RVTHS, located at 147 Pond St., Franklin, is a recipient of the High Schools That Work Gold Achievement Award and serves the communities of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, N. Attleboro, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole and Wrentham.