Some students will open daycares, others will enter the classroom

(GREENSBURG, Ind.) – Eight Greensburg students have just completed a unique, rigorous program that gives them a leg up for their future careers.

The students have earned their Child Development Associate after three years of work while in high school. 

They each had to volunteer 480 hours in early childhood classroom settings, 120 hours of classroom lab training, complete a professional teaching portfolio, participate in interviews and pass the state exam. 

The students are Natalie Rogers, Robert Rodriquez, Ava Austin, Saylor Scripture, Simara Workman, Brooklin Puckett, Brooklyn Jones and Eva Tungate.

These students are now utilizing their CDA license in the school's work-based learning program, receiving a wage, employed at Greensburg Elementary School, Decatur County YMCA, and St. Mary's Daycare Center. 

Senior Saylor Scripture said, “We live in a county that is in a childcare drought. This early childcare pathway has opened my eyes to the needs of children before the age of 5 and how important early learning is in their development." 

Meanwhile, senior Robert Ramirez said this certification gets him one step closer to opening his own daycare facility in Decatur County. 

“Upon graduating these students have plans to open their own daycare, work as classroom teachers for local childcare facilities, and some plan to continue their education and training in elementary education at Ball State and Uindy,” said teacher Heather Comer. 

Greensburg High School started this program in the 2022-23 school year with 86 students, certifying 2 with their CDA. This school year the program has 127 students, anticipating to certify 10 students with their CDA license by May, and offers 24 dual college credits, with 5 students employed in childcare facilities in our community. 

Senior Simara Workman said, "I already worked at St. Mary's Daycare Center after school each day so being able to work more hours during the school day is a bonus for me in completing my CDA license." 

The instructor says the program will expand to include a partnership with All 4 Kids Daycare Center next year, and also have a training session where students can practice their skills before entering childhood classrooms.

"We are also in the process of becoming a registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program with the Indiana Department of Education for the 2025-26 school year. We will expand our course pathways to include Principles of Teaching, which will allow for students to complete their field experience in 6-9 grade classrooms,” Heather Comer said. 

Greensburg was just re-endorsed as an Early College High School because of unique programs such as this.