Preschoolers dressed as an array of colorful characters visited Ferris High School classrooms on Friday to trade cuteness for candy.
Ferris is one of three SPS high schools, along with North Central and Shadle Park, offering a preschool program as part of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Early Childhood Education pathway.
The program provides local families with an affordable, part-time preschool option while giving high school students hands-on experience in early childhood education.
Preschoolers build foundational skills through play, practicing letter recognition, self-control and working with classmates as they prepare for kindergarten. Along the way, they're paired with high school "big buddies" who help guide activities and support their learning.
Buddies big and small toured the campus and gathered sweets while dressed as firefighters, scientists, butterflies – even bacon and eggs.
For high school students, the three-year CTE pathway begins with child development fundamentals before moving into classroom instruction, lesson planning and mentoring younger students in the program.
Students who complete the pathway can earn industry-related certifications and college credits while exploring potential careers in education and child development.