Stepping back into preschool: the UI class not only for kids, but college students too

Amanda Brennan
·2 min read

URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — When you hear the word “preschool,” your mind might go to young kids learning about shapes, colors and numbers. There’s also a preschool class on the University of Illinois campus not only focused on the little ones, but the next generation of teachers too.

Jaime Smith’s classroom isn’t just for preschoolers, but college kids too.

“I feel like preschool in particular is my niche of the area because I just really enjoy the age group,” she said.

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Smith works with three to five-year-olds every day at the Child Development Lab (CDL) at the University of Illinois.

“I enjoy being able to have conversations, really fostering their independence and learning environment,” she described.

While she’s focused on getting them ready for kindergarten, Smith is also connecting with college students. She works hand-in-hand with them, getting them ready to fill her shoes one day.

“We also made a portfolio of a specific child so we’re taking anecdotes about them, observing their behavior and development throughout the semester,” Natalie Schurer, a sophomore studying Human Development and Family Studies, said.

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Kelsey McClallen, a junior in the class, is thankful for Smith’s guidance as she navigates her future career.

“She is always saying ‘hey, help me here’ or ‘here’s this’ and giving me advice on everything,” she said. “Watching her interact with the kids has really helped me know how to interact with them too.”

Going back to preschool is paying off in the long run.

“I want to work in hospitals, help kids and their families when they’re recovering from traumatic experiences,” Schurer said.

No matter the age, Smith will always support her students in and out of the classroom.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Child Development Lab, you can visit this link.

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