Early Childhood Education Showcase planned April 16

The Early Childhood Education Showcase April 16 will introduce people to careers in early childhood education.

Those who are interested in a career working with children from birth through age 8 may attend the showcase at noon April 16 at the Upper Jewell Center on the Kansas City Kansas Community College campus, 7250 State Ave.

The event is free and open to the public.

Early Childhood Education includes many careers. Possible careers include child care provider, director or coordinator; early elementary teacher (pre-K through third grade); infant and toddler specialist; home visitor; child care licensing inspector; preschool or childcare director; director of a children’s museum; literacy specialist; education research and special education, among others.

The showcase will feature the coordinator of KCKCC’s Early Childhood Education Department, Kris Hearn, and a panel discussion about the different career paths available to those who enter an early childhood education program. Panelists include professionals in the field, and current and former students who will speak on their experiences. There will also be a question and answer session for those who are interested in pursuing an early childhood education career.

This will be the first in a series of showcases under the Student Advising Center’s new program, FOCUS.

“In attempt to better inform our students and community about the extensive career and academic programs we offer at KCKCC, the Student Advising Center is launching KCKCC FOCUS,” said Alex Perez-Estrada, academic adviser at KCKCC. “We will be hosting a series of showcases which will give emphasis to our various programs. Our goal is to provide students the opportunity to have a thorough understanding of their area of interest by meeting the experts in the given field and having a student perspective as well.”

Food and drinks will be served during the showcase, and door prizes will be offered throughout the presentation.

For more information or questions about the panel discussion or KCKCC’s early childhood education program, contact Alex Perez-Estrada at 913-288-7148.

– Story from Kelly Rogge, KCKCC