High-quality early childhood education begins with dedicated professionals who are passionate about helping young children learn, grow, and succeed. As demand for qualified child care providers and early childhood educators continues to grow, colleges and universities across the region are helping students build the skills and experience needed to enter this rewarding field.
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Among the institutions preparing future educators is San Jacinto College, where students pursuing early childhood education gain hands-on experience through the college’s Children’s Center. The center serves not only as a learning environment for children but also as a training ground where future educators can develop practical skills while working directly with young learners.
For student Elizabeth Samudio, pursuing a degree in early childhood development has reinforced her commitment to education and her future career goals.
“Hopefully, in the fall, I will graduate with an associate degree in early childhood development,” Samudio said.
Students in the program benefit from both classroom instruction and mentorship from faculty members who help guide their professional growth. Samudio credits her professors with helping her gain confidence and strengthen her skills as an educator.
“I met two amazing professors that helped me grow in my education field,” she said. “That’s what’s helping me become a better teacher here at this lab school.”
For Amy Morrow, the path to early childhood education became clear after exploring her interests and career goals with academic advisors.
“Through doing the basics and talking to the advisors about what my passions were, I landed in early childhood,” Morrow said.
San Jacinto College faculty work closely with students to ensure they are prepared for success both in the classroom and in the workforce. According to Professor Stasi Stewart, the program places a strong emphasis on developing professional and interpersonal skills alongside technical knowledge.
“We think the soft skills are very important,” Stewart said. “We’re incorporating communication skills, professionalism, grammar, and other workplace skills throughout our courses because our students will be working closely with children and families.”
The college also offers flexible course options, including four-week and eight-week classes, helping students complete their education and enter the workforce more quickly.
As the need for qualified early childhood professionals continues to grow, programs like those at San Jacinto College are helping build a pipeline of educators who are prepared to support children’s development during some of the most important years of learning.
For Morrow, the decision to pursue education comes from a lifelong passion.
“I’ve had that passion since forever,” she said. “It’s my gifting. No matter what, no matter where, I will be teaching somewhere.”
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