Four Beaverton High School graduates earned child care certifications after completing a three-week summer internship in early childhood education.

Henry Chavez, Alondra Perez Trujillo, Jasmine Chavez and Matt Hooper finished the Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) Summer Internship this summer, the Beaverton School District announced Thursday, Sept. 24. The four were among six students selected for the program.

All four came through the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Education Pathway at Beaverton High. The program teaches students to create and implement lesson plans, assess student progress, study child development and explore the legal responsibilities surrounding education. None of Beaverton High's CTE Education students had ever applied for the CCR&R internship before this year.

"This was the first time any of my students applied," said Shelly Scott, CTE Education teacher at Beaverton High School. "I'm super proud of these students, and at least two of them are planning to become educators."

During the three-week program, students received one-on-one mentorship and worked alongside education professionals, according to the district. CCR&R supervisors praised the students' commitment and contributions.

The CCR&R program operates across Oregon, primarily funded by the state's Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC). In Washington County, the program focuses on recruiting and supporting child care providers in both home-based and center-based settings. Its advisory board includes representatives from Portland Community College, Hillsboro School District and the Northwest Regional Education Service District.

The certifications the students earned qualify them to begin working in child care classrooms right away. The district did not specify which certifications were awarded or which organization issued them.

Families interested in the education career track can find information about the CTE Education Pathway on the Beaverton High School program page.