DO NOT DONATE to CHANGE dot ORG.... PLEASE JUST SIGN THIS PETITION to show everyone's support of the program.   The funds collected after you sign this go to change dot org and not to the program or the petition starter.  

DO NOT DONATE to CHANGE dot ORG.... PLEASE JUST SIGN THIS PETITION to show everyone's support of the program.   The funds collected after you sign this go to change dot org and not to the program or the petition starter.  

The Education Academy at CTEC offers a two-year, hands-on program for 11th and 12th graders aspiring to careers in education and related fields, ranging from child care to higher education. A key component of this program has been the Little Dreamers Preschool, where for over 40 years, students have gained practical experience by developing and implementing lesson plans for preschoolers. As students engage with 3- and 4-year-olds, they gain skills applicable across all educational levels, earning credentials like the CDA, Teaching Assistant Certification, and college credits. 

The Capital Project, awarded to OUBOCES, was intended for enhancing the facilities and programs with substantial funding. However, with the onset of construction, there's a significant shift in the use of space, leading to the rearrangement of classrooms and programs. This reorganization unfortunately leaves no allocated space for the Little Dreamers Preschool, currently adjoining the Education Academy's classroom. The proposed plan is to completely close down the little dreamers preschool program and move the high school class into the Special Education building. This means it will possibly be merging with existing Special Ed classrooms, rather than maintaining its unique, onsite presence as a preschool program for high school students to gain their hands on experience with preschool students daily. 

This change poses several issues. Firstly, high school students in the program may lose the chance to earn their Child Development Associate (CDA) credential upon graduation. Furthermore, many students enrolled in the Education Academy have career aspirations beyond special education. Restricting their practical experience to only special education settings limits their exposure and learning opportunities in a broader educational context and they would not have the daily hands-on approach they currently have. It's also crucial for the high school students to share a common building with their peers, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

We petition to retain this integral component of the Education Academy. The program’s success, evidenced by annual waitlists and positive community feedback, underscores its value. Little Dreamers not only benefits high school students but also prepares preschoolers for kindergarten, strengthening our community.

We urge OUBOCES decision-makers to reconsider this decision. Your support by signing this petition and voicing your opinions at board meetings, especially if you have been part of the program, can make a crucial difference in preserving the Little Dreamers Preschool.
 
 As a parent whose children have benefitted from the Little Dreamers Preschool Program at the Education Academy in OUBOCES Career & Technical Education Center, I am deeply concerned about its potential restructuring. My children thrived in this program as preschool students and my high school student might be joining it in two years.

No need to donate any $ to change dot org on the next screen....  signing goes a long way and the money only goes to change dot org!