DISCUSSES PROGRAM — Early childhood education instructor Amy Rusnak, right, and junior Lyla Navarro discussed the program during the Dec. 16 Jefferson County Joint Vocational School Board of Education meeting. Looking on is district Treasurer Marcy Haynes. -- Contributed

BLOOMINGDALE — The Jefferson County Joint Vocational School Board of Education discussed student programs and how they were preparing youth for the future.

During the Dec. 16 regular session, the board heard from early childhood education instructor Amy Rusnak and junior Lyla Navarro on how students gain hands-on skills by working with preschoolers. Rusnak said her program included 11 juniors and eight seniors who interacted with 18 youngsters between the ages of 3 to 5 years old, gaining childcare and educational experience along the way.

“Our program provides students with hands-on, real-world experiences while preparing them for careers in early childhood education, teaching, and human services,” she said. “Students learn child development, health and safety, lesson planning, and professional skills–all while working directly with children in our on-site preschool classroom.”

She said a key strength is that learning extends beyond the textbook and students take on real responsibilities, work as a team, and grow as leaders.

“They plan activities, build relationships with children and families, and gain confidence through authentic teaching experiences. Our students have the opportunity to leave here with many certifications, including first aid and CPR, communicable disease training, child abuse awareness and prevention training, and ServSafe allergens and food handler training. As seniors, they may apply for their child development associate credential or their parapro license.”

Rusnak continued that the on-site preschool allows the ECE students to earn more than the recommended 250 hours of work-based learning, plus they also earn volunteer hours at Hills Elementary School and Crossroads Christian Church to obtain their community service seal.

“We are proud of the work our students do, the impact they have on our preschoolers, and the skills they leave here with. We’re excited to share a glimpse of that with you this evening.”

Rusnak, who joined the JVS this year, said she spent 20 years working at Indian Creek Local Schools with a stint at Hills Elementary teaching preschool, kindergarten and first grade. She praised the ECE program at JVS and said she enjoyed working with the teens.

“It’s a great program. The students we can impact here, it’s huge. It’s a great place to call home.”

She then introduced Navarro, who led a PowerPoint presentation detailing how the ECE students gain experience by working with children. Navarro explained that the day starts with students’ arriving, having breakfast and then jumping into learning activities. They learn to recognize letters, practice writing and do free play with some educational fun. That is followed by carpet time, saying the Pledge of Allegiance, and discussing the weather.

“Every day we have a child on weather duty and we also do dances and songs,” she added. “We have sign language and songs saying ‘Good morning’ in different languages.”

It is followed by book reading and learning centers with four stations where the children complete tasks in 10-minute increments. The centers include art, math, STEM, and language and literacy with hands-on activities and lessons such as counting and learning letters. The preschoolers then nap and have more playtime and carpet time with the senior students.

“Right now, we’re working on a Christmas program for the parents,” Navarro said, adding that the day concludes with more learning center activities.

Rusnak interjected that the children spend extra time working on phonics and the preschool operates from 8:45 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. on Monday to Thursday. Board Vice President Ron Smyth praised the presentation and questioned Navarro about her plans. Navarro replied that she initially planned to study cosmetology and ECE was her second choice. She realized she had a passion for education and may seek to become a preschool teacher after graduation.

Meanwhile, officials are looking to add another learning opportunity after receiving a $32,000 grant for a flooring program. Superintendent Ted Gorman said there were plans to partner with the Tri-County Career Center and a professional flooring company to teach about 12 to 16 students how to lay flooring and carpeting with opportunities to obtain work.

“They can get a job at local carpet places and the grant would also pay for half of the kids’ wages.” He said. “It’s going to be an excellent opportunity. We’ll bring trainers into the school and they can train kids on the job.”

Plans are to begin with students in the carpentry program, and they would begin training at the JVS. During discussions, Smyth asked how many hours students would work and if it would impact their schooling. Principal Heather Hoover said the pupils would go through the school-to-work program with JVS Career Specialist Carina Aulicino and issues would vary depending on the employer. However, students would undergo 40 hours of training over one week to obtain beginning installer certification that could help them gain a job.

Among other matters:

• Hoover informed the board that Katie Hite of the Ohio Association of Career Tech Education was touring the facility and working with officials to discuss strengths, credentialing and areas to promote better. Hite also was going to be part of a professional development session with the program instructors;

• The board accepted the resignations of guidance counselor Shellie Henderson, who plans to retire on April 1, and adult education special interest receptionist Carol Dunfee, effective Nov. 30, with the latter position being posted; agreed to post for the position of HVAC instructor and hired Keith Kaczor as a consultant to help start the program next fall; approved adult education instructors Josann Richards and Amy Fisher for the certified nurse assistant and phlebotomy courses, respectively; and approved a contract with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department to appoint Randy Henry as resource officer from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2026;

• Set the annual organizational meeting 5 p.m. Jan. 20 at 5 p.m. with board President Steve Bezak III to serve as president pro tempore.