The Goddard School of Lexington
The Goddard School of Lexington is a childcare center and preschool that delivers high-quality, play-based learning to children between six weeks and six years of age. The school uses current, academically endorsed methods that ensure children have fun while learning the skills they need for success in school and in life.
Three students from Minuteman High School’s Early Education and Teaching career major are working at The Goddard School for the 2020-21 school year: Nick Casey of Lexington, Caspian Barrett of Bolton, and Autumn Sivits-Camara of Watertown, who are all seniors. The students are receiving course credit through the Cooperative Education program, also known as “co-op.” They have also worked at Minuteman’s Colonial Children’s Academy childcare center.
“I’ve always wanted to be a teacher, ever since I was in preschool,” Sivits-Camara said. “My dream is to be a lead teacher [at Goddard]. It’s amazing I can work there and do.”
“I’ve seen them grow into some wonderful teachers,” said Jenny Casey, Assistant Director for the Goddard School of Lexington. “To watch them figure out how to approach a situation with the children, then seeing them gain skills and build their confidence, has been wonderful. Caspian, Nick, and Autumn have become a very important part of our Goddard family.”
The Minuteman students provide a range of support for the Goddard teachers and staff – everything from changing diapers to reading books and helping with arts and crafts projects.
“All of the young kids have unique personalities, and they’re just so fun to work with,” Barrett said. “They have their own ideas, ambitions, and personalities even at a very young age. It sounds obvious, but they’re like little people.”
Now that he is a senior, Casey said it’s rewarding to reflect on caring for young children for four years. He’s worked at Minuteman’s Colonial Children’s Academy (CCA) and the Bright Horizons childcare center in addition to Goddard.
“I love seeing them grow,” he said. “When I saw kids graduate from CCA my junior year, that was a great moment. It highlighted for me how far they’ve come and learned to adapt to situations.”
“It’s great to see the lightbulb go off when you teach them something,” Sivits-Camara said. “That’s why I do what I do.”
Following graduation, Sivits-Camara plans continue working for Goddard and study early childhood education through Post University; Barrett plans to attend Framingham State University to study early education; Casey was accepted to six colleges and universities and is deciding between University of New Hampshire and University of Massachusetts Lowell to study business. He played football and basketball at Minuteman.
