3 minute read
Investing in the Future: The AIU’s Innovative Approach to Early Childhood Education
By Amanda RitchieIn response to the ongoing teacher shortage, the AIU launched the Waterfront Early Childhood Classroom as an innovative training venue. Designed to prepare new Head Start and Pre-K Counts educators, current staff members can also receive ongoing training there as needed. Located inside the AIU Central office, the updated facilities offer hands-on training, real-time mentorship, and a collaborative environment where newly hired teachers and teacher assistants can build confidence before stepping into their own classrooms. This initiative not only addresses the immediate need for qualified educators but also focuses on long-term retention and professional development, fostering a stronger early childhood education workforce.
Trainees follow “an experienced teacher and teacher assistant who model best practices, effective teaching strategies, classroom management, and curriculum implementation,” said Alexandra Tierney, classroom supervisor and education specialist for the AIU’s Head Start and Pre-K Counts programs.
“Depending on prior experience, newly hired Head Start and Pre-K Counts teachers and teacher assistants are spending one to three days in our Waterfront classroom before starting their own classroom placement,” said Maggie Anna, a teacher and mentor in the Waterfront Early Childhood Classroom. “We’re excited to help new staff feel more prepared as they begin their positions in the Head Start and Pre-K classrooms. Learning all the procedures, policies and administrative work that is needed in our Early Childhood classrooms can be overwhelming. We hope by spending time with us in our classroom, new staff will learn tips, helpful ideas, and will feel more confident as they transition into their own classrooms.”
Shannon McGee, program director of Early Childhood Education at the AIU, intends to use the classroom in a grassroots recruitment effort to help address the teacher shortage. She wants to support parents involved in their programming to create a career path by helping them earn credentials such as a Child Development Associate certificate. The program is working with teaching staff and family advocates to identify parents who have a passion for education.
“With our current teacher shortage, this classroom allows a new teacher and teacher assistant the opportunity to learn and grow before entering a classroom,” Tierney said. “It provides a structured and supportive environment to train and inspire new educators. The hands-on experience allows for new educators to learn by doing, making their permanent role seem less intimidating. Entering a classroom with guidance and preparation sets a tone of success, making teachers more likely to stay in the field long-term.”
Wendy Etheridge Smith, Ed.D., director of Early Childhood, Family & Community Services at the AIU, said she hopes that in the long-term the classroom might also be a place where other early childhood education programs outside of the AIU can go to see quality services in action.
