by Sofia Kasuli

      Not all classrooms at Largo High School are full of textbooks and desks. There is one class in particular that is actually full of toys and picture books! There is nap time and snack time as well. Now what in the world could this class be? Childcare of course! Students can sign up to take this fun filled class for 2 periods a day as an elective. The class also gives the students a chance to take all the course needed material to become a licensed childcare teacher. 

     The students in childcare are able to interact with actual children in a classroom instead of just reading about how to take care of a child in a textbook like most schools have. The teacher of the childcare program is Mrs. Kincaid. She has been the leader of the program for thirteen years. She is adored by her students because of her amazing personality and loving attitude towards the kids and high school students. Just about anyone can sign his or her little munchkin up to be in the classroom. A few of the teachers at Largo High School have their children enrolled. Even the assistant magnet principle, Mr. Wolfenden has his child signed up in the program.

     The program is also wallet friendly. It cost parents fifteen dollars a school week to have their son/daughter in the class. A school week for the children is 3 days long from 7:30 to 12:30 on Tuesdays and Thursdays and from 7:30 to 11:30 on Wednesdays.  During the school day Students prepare lesson plans and teach them in different centers around the daycare center. The children switch from centers such as science, math, puzzles, and computers. After nap time the boys and girls get to go play outside on the playground for forty minutes. When the children return from playing outside they play with tabletop toys while waiting for their parents to pick them up. The students that are in charge at the end of the school day run the car circle outside the daycare and make sure the young one’s make it to mom/dad’s care safely. The childcare program is a wonderful class to take in high school. It’s a great experience with children and could lead a student to their future career.