On Friday, February 17th, 2017 the toddlers who are a part of Naugatuck High School’s child care program graduated from their playtime at school.

Catered by the school’s culinary program and fully coordinated by students themselves, this year’s graduation was both a hit and extremely adorable.

Each graduate was handed a certificate and star-shaped balloon, as their specific high school helpers stood behind them, proud of their children’s completion of the program.

The purpose of the program is to provide one-on-one experience opportunities for these parents, babysitters, siblings, etc to be, as well as to supply an affordable place for kids to stay and learn while their parents are off at work.

The program is held every year, for children ages 3-4 years old in the Naugatuck area by high school students taking a Child Care class held at Naugy.

In addition to solely watching over the little ones, these students learn to teach their kids lessons necessary for the average 3 year old, as well as to love them unconditionally as this is a vital aspect of growth.

Amber Torres, a student taking the school’s child care program, loved both the kids themselves and the experience.

“I feel like I’ve learned a lot about how children think and learn.”

The childcare teacher at the high school, Mrs. Foehl, exercises her duty as a teacher beautifully, as well as serving as the primary caretaker for these kids; both the toddlers and the teenage students she so clearly adores.

Though there were some technical difficulties (balloons flying off into the distance, toddlers happily waddling about the stage), they all contributed to the memorable aspect of the next step in these toddlers’ lives, as well as their caregivers’.

The graduation finished with a bang as a slideshow of the tots was projected to the audience, showcasing the unforgettable times these kids and their helpers shared together.

A special thanks was also given to Olivia Zembruski, Ally Rusin, and several other students taking the course for their extra help with the kids and the program in general during other class periods.

The graduation was followed by a luncheon where the kids and their families were able to say their last goodbyes to the students who took such good care of the toddlers.

The entire event was one to never forget, and as the new kids begin to roll in for a fresh start, the students and faculty apart of these graduated children’s upbringing at Naugatuck High School can only wish the best for their futures.