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The Esteves School of Education at Russell Sage has started a new partnership with Kreative Kids Early Childhood Program in Troy that will give students valuable weekly practicum hours.
Kreative Kids Early Childhood Program, located at 451 Marshland Court in Troy in the space previously occupied by OLV Early Childhood Program, held an open house September 12, 2024, that celebrated its opening and its new partnership with Russell Sage College’s Esteves School of Education.
Russell Sage students studying early childhood education will earn practicum hours – supervised “clinical” experience – working with young students and practicing early childhood educators at the school. Russell Sage will also provide staff development opportunities to the staff at Kreative Kids.
“We’re working with seasoned veteran teachers in a preschool setting and children, and our students and staff will provide support to their staff,” said Kelly Smith, assistant professor of education at Russell Sage and chair of the Professional Education Programs department.
The school, for ages 2 to 5, offers early childhood care, preschool, and kindergarten with a curricular focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math). The school is owned by Jon and Hillary Brochu.
“We get to read stories with the kids, learn a little bit about what their interests are, and what kind of things they love to do,” said Mara Little, a junior majoring in childhood education and member of the Future Educators Club at Russell Sage. “It’s a really awesome program, and we’re really excited to do it.”
Russell Sage employees also receive a discounted rate on Kreative Kids tuition.