Frank H. Peterson Academies

Frank H. Peterson, a laboratory school in the Duval County Public School system, offers students a four-year Early Childhood Academy program based on National Career Academy Coalition Standards of Practice that facilitate students’ growth and development. The ultimate goal is to provide instruction and opportunity to best prepare students to obtain the industry-recognized certification, National Childhood Development Associate (CDA). As students are promoted by grade, they increase their preparedness for credentialing. The frameworks also provide college readiness with an opportunity for dual enrollment through Florida State College at Jacksonville.

Based on Florida Frameworks for Early Childhood Education, students engage in learning about financial management associated with operating a childcare center; health, safety, and environmental issues, such as identifying child abuse and neglect; adherence to all rules and regulations associated with working in or managing a daycare; and developmentally appropriate practices for children through age eight.

Geraldine Thompson is the lead Early Childhood Academy teacher at Frank H. Peterson. She’s been in the teaching profession for over thirty years. While most of her career was spent in Health Education, Geraldine always liked Family and Consumer Science. So, she returned to obtain the additional certification in Early Childhood Education.

Geraldine shared that the academy involves students from freshman to senior. In her three years of teaching in this particular program, 23 students have received their national certification. To qualify to take the test, students must have 480 hours of lab experience with children ages birth through five years, professional observation by the Council for Professional Recognition, and 120 hours of Early Childhood Education. Students must take and pass the written exam administered by the Council of Professional Recognition to obtain the CDA.

Students receive hands-on experience onsite at Frank H. Peterson via the Silver Eaglets’ Preschool. This is not a daycare—specific, thematic curriculum is taught by students. The Silver Eaglets’ Preschool is offered from 8:30-1:00 Monday through Friday, allowing ample time for assessment of student understanding and application of course material. Parents can bring in children ages 2 to 5 years old. Typically, 15 to 20 preschoolers attend. Student-teachers are divided into different disciplines with the goal of preparing the preschoolers for kindergarten. This experience also prepares students for taking the CDA exam.

Geraldine likes the applicability and functionality of the CDA. Many successful, nationally recognized experts in the field started their careers with a CDA foundation. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, students have been doing more independent research projects at home. Geraldine recently assigned her students to study and report on these experts, such as the CEO for the Council of Professional Recognition (cdacouncil.org) and the National Association of Educational Young Children (naeyc.org). This research is also serving the purpose of promoting student membership in organizations that advocate leadership skills.

Students are learning that transferable skills generated from this certification are very important. Geraldine indicated that, “Even in the midst of COVID, you can transition how you use childcare skills. You can do Zoom lessons with students. Even as a parent, students will use this knowledge.”

Students have seen that this curriculum has value and provides a great career pathway perspective. She shared that a student emailed her, saying, “My eyes are opened and I really want to pursue this profession now.” Students who have graduated from the program are using this credential in various ways. Two are working in pre-schools, looking to direct and own their own pre-schools, combining an educational and entrepreneurial pathway. One student obtained her CDA as a Junior and has worked the entire school year in a preschool. She is pursuing a college major related to children.

Ultimately, a high school academy can provide a fantastic framework for foundational skills leading to one’s chosen profession.