Out of the many programs in Miami Senor High, there’s none like the Early Childhood Program, which prepares students to become teachers, childcare directors, parents, and even better siblings.

Ms. Adrianna Martinez is the program director and has been involved with it since 1999. Leaving high school with just a diploma could be pretty basic, and that’s exactly what Ms. Martinez doesn’t let you be.

“It all started when the district wanted students to finish high school not only with a high school diploma, but also with another certification,” she said. She teaches the program with the idea that every student will eventually become a parent, but will also leave with a certification to teach preschoolers.

Pros and Cons

Students in the Early Childhood Program learn a lot–from arts and crafts, to story-telling, to developing lesson plans. They also get certified in tests and visit students at Auburndale Elementary.

The class also has its challenges. Freshman Edwin Javier says they take way too many power notes for each new chapter they begin.

What is there to like?

Students like different things about the program. Freshman Zacaria Gutierrez appreciates the opportunity of being hands-on deck with children as he proceeds to different levels of the program.

Sophomore Beatriz Dominguez states, “I like the psychology part about the kids–the way they would think on certain things and how they act the way they do.”

“My favorite thing is when students go to work with children, and they make connections with what I’ve taught during class,” said Ms. Martinez.

Freshman Alysha Mercado likes that the program teaches her how to become a teacher though she wouldn’t consider being one because “kids are just way too disrespectful,” she says.

Not Wanting to Become a Teacher

Indeed, many students in the Early Childhood Program don’t want to become teachers. “I wouldn’t become a teacher because I don’t have the patience to take care of the vast majority of children,” says sophomore Wilman Carillo.

“I’m interested in the medical field and children are way too much to handle at times,” adds sophomore Lianet Henriquez.

Despite the fact that many students don’t want to become teachers, some students still want to pursue a career in Early Childhood. “I wouldn’t want to exactly proceed teaching, but being a child care director is in my interest,” said sophomore Harold Hernandez.

Using the Program

As I was interviewing I couldn’t help but notice that many students use the Early Childhood Program to get into Miami High. Both Alysha Mercado and Cielo Giordoni said, “I only chose the program because it was the only way I could attend the school.”

Sophomore Amanda Galves adds, “The law program didn’t really call my attention; it seemed like I would be doing tons of work.”

Ms. Martinez doesn’t feel too great about that though. “I think it has gotten better in the last couple years because we’ve been more selective towards the students that come into Miami High, so I do have more high quality students.”