Taunton High School is celebrating a big milestone — our Early Education and Care program has officially been approved as a Chapter 74 vocational program by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
This approval means more opportunities for our students to explore careers in early childhood education. Each year, about 100 students take part in the program, which was recently redesigned to include a new cohort model. Now, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders rotate through both preschool and Pre-K classrooms, learning from one another in a mixed-grade setting.
“This approval is a tremendous step forward for our career and technical education programs at Taunton High School,” said John J. Cabral, superintendent of Taunton Public Schools. “It ensures our students have access to rigorous, hands-on learning experiences that prepare them to enter the workforce with valuable skills or continue their education with a strong foundation.”
A key part of the program is Tiger Tots, our on-site preschool and Pre-K. Here, students develop lesson plans, practice classroom management, and support the developmental needs of young children. It’s real-world learning right inside Taunton High School — and a chance for students to build leadership, communication, and teaching skills.
“Our redesigned program creates a dynamic learning environment where students of different grade levels learn side by side,” said Darla Hartung, Co-Director of Career and Technical Education. “Students gain hands-on experience while also supporting and mentoring each other, which makes the program stronger for everyone.”
Taunton High School Principal John Harrison added, “We’re so proud of our students and staff who made this possible. This program is helping students grow into confident future educators while giving them experiences they’ll carry long after graduation.”
Students who complete the program will graduate with valuable credentials like CPR, First Aid, and EEC Strong Start certifications, as well as qualifications to apply for preschool teaching positions. Many will also continue their education in fields like child development and education.
With this new approval, Taunton High School now offers nine Chapter 74 vocational programs. More than 900 students are enrolled in these programs this year, with hundreds more participating in additional CTE and Innovation Pathway options.
“This is an exciting time for Career and Technical Education in Taunton,” Hartung said. “Our students are excelling — including placing for the first time at SkillsUSA in Early Childhood Education last year — and we’re committed to giving every student the chance to explore their passions and prepare for the future.”