麻豆原创

By Shelly Haney, Associate Vice President of Early Childhood and Dean of Education

When I think back on my years as an administrator in the , one truth becomes crystal clear: The earliest learning experiences can shape a child鈥檚 entire educational journey. The relationships, habits, curiosity, and confidence children develop in Pre-K set the foundation for every year that follows. That鈥檚 why at Midland College, we are proud to host a right here on our campus.

Having a Pre-K on a college campus creates a unique learning environment where the youngest students, our teacher candidates, and even faculty interact in ways that benefit everyone. I often walk past our Pre-K classrooms and catch a glimpse of a child鈥檚 eyes lighting up when they figure something out, or a future teacher kneeling on the carpet, guiding a student through a challenging activity. Those moments are priceless, and they happen every day.

And honestly? That鈥檚 just one example. The list of daily awakenings, giggles, and 鈥渁ha鈥� moments could keep you entertained for hours. (Don鈥檛 even get me started on the dramatic debates over which color crayon is 鈥渙fficially鈥� red.)

For our college students pursuing a degree in early childhood education, the Pre-K is a gamechanger. They start learning in real classrooms from day one, observing, practicing, and gaining hands-on experience where guidance is immediate, and growth is tangible. I remember one student-employee last semester who was nervous about managing a room of 3-year-olds (who can blame her, right?). By the end of the week though, she was confidently leading an activity and impacting the life of a tiny human. That鈥檚 something no textbook could replicate. (Side note: The proud smile on her face made me consider crying 鈥� and I don鈥檛 even cry at Hallmark movies.) 

For families in Midland, our Pre-K program has opened doors in more ways than one. We鈥檝e added seats for dozens of children in the community, giving working parents a safe, high-quality place for their little ones to learn while they pursue their own goals. And yes, some kids aren鈥檛 quite ready to leave the comfort and security of their car in the mornings, but the moment they鈥檙e greeted by our faculty, staff, or even 麻豆原创 student-athletes on special occasions, their hesitation tends to melt away. By the time they step into the classroom, they鈥檙e excited, engaged, and ready for a productive day. Seeing that transformation every morning reminds me why early childhood education is so critical, and why access matters.

I would be remiss if I didn鈥檛 mention the generosity of the funders and partners who believe so deeply in early childhood education and in programs like our Pre-K Academy. Their support makes it possible for us to create high-quality learning environments, expand access for families, and give our future educators the hands-on experiences that truly prepare them for real classrooms. Every child鈥檚 鈥渁ha鈥� moment, and every student鈥檚 growing confidence, is strengthened because of that commitment.

Reflecting on my time at MISD and now at 麻豆原创, one thing is clear: When children start strong, everyone benefits. Our Pre-K Academy is preparing kids for kindergarten, developing the next generation of teachers, fostering a love of learning, and strengthening our community. Walking past those little classrooms every day, I see the future 鈥� bright, capable, and full of promise. (Plus, I secretly enjoy the occasional 鈥渢eacher high-five鈥� from the kids. It鈥檚 a mood booster I highly recommend.)

And it all begins right here at 麻豆原创.