South Seminole Academy proudly hosted its inaugural Childcare Expo, a dynamic and hands-on event led by Ms. DiBacco’s new Intro to Education and Training class. This innovative course introduces students to the diverse career pathways within the field of education, from classroom teaching to administration and professional support services.

For the Expo, students worked in collaborative teams to design their own childcare centers from the ground up. Each team developed:

• A unique name and logo
• Operating hours and cost structure
• A detailed daily schedule
• A map of their center layout
• A professional trifold display showcasing all aspects of their center
• Examples of activities parents can expect their babies to be doing
• Health and Safety policies

To make the experience even more engaging, visiting teachers, administrators, and guest volunteers were given a “parent persona,” complete with specific needs and preferences for their fictional baby. These visitors toured each childcare center, asked questions, and evaluated how well each team’s center met their persona’s needs.

After visiting all the centers, guests selected their top two choices based on factors like affordability, programming, safety, and overall appeal.

This project was more than just a showcase, it was a powerful learning experience. Students applied real-world skills in:

• Leadership
• Communication
• Budgeting and administration
• Marketing and design

The top-rated childcare centers, as voted by the visitors, were M&M Childcare and Sunrise Childcare, recognized for their creativity, professionalism, and thoughtful planning.

Ms. DiBacco shared, “This project allowed students to step into the shoes of educational leaders and think critically about what families need. It was incredible to see their ideas come to life.”

SSA is proud to support innovative learning experiences like the Childcare Expo, where students gain practical skills and explore future careers in education.